The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said today that more than 1,000 activists, members of the opposition and journalists were being held in Belarus on “politically motivated charges” and demanded their release.
Michelle Bachelet said President Alexander Lukashenko’s government was committing “widespread and systematic” violations following large-scale protests against its disputed victory in the 2020 elections.
The Minsk government has launched a “mass repression, including widespread, excessive use of force,” she told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Bachelet also said 13,500 people had been arrested since the August 2020 elections and protests, and that her services had found that many had been repeatedly beaten, raped and otherwise subjected to violence.
Belarussian officials have denied the allegations in a statement issued Friday stating “Similar, baseless allegations concerning Belarus’s foreign policy have been made more than once.
“Its conclusions and recommendations are aimed at supporting structures and organizations, as long as they operate against Belarus,” Taranto added.
Bachelet said: “Our investigation finds that the government has sought to suppress all forms of criticism and has actively sought to prevent justice, accountability and truth for the violations committed.”
“I urge the Belarussian government to immediately release all political prisoners and to end all human rights abuses, including the systematic suppression of civil society, the independent media and opposition groups,” the statement said. .
Bachelet said there was no reasonable basis for expecting national systems in Belarus to do justice, so other states would have to work to hold perpetrators accountable there through their national procedures.
The Icelandic Foreign Minister, presenting a statement on behalf of the countries of northern Europe, expressed deep concern over the findings of the United Nations.
“Lukashenko’s regime is on the verge of collapse, both inside and outside the country,” said Thordis Colbrun Reikjjord Gilfadotir.
“The relentless attack on civil society and independent voices and the widespread use of misinformation in Belarus must stop,” he said.
SOURCE: AMPE
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
