Belarus cracks down on political dissidents: a call for global response
"The large-scale detentions carried out by Belarusian authorities among former prisoners of conscience and the families of political prisoners necessitates a firm response. Implementing another set of sanctions against Belarus should occur as soon as possible," emphasized the Foreign Ministry on platform X.
12:12 PM EST, January 25, 2024
The Human Rights Defense Center "Spring" reported on Tuesday about ongoing expansive searches and detentions throughout Belarus. Officers are visiting the families of prisoners and ex-political prisoners who remained in Belarus following their release.
A test of democracy for democratic countries
Pavel Latushka, former Minister of Culture of Belarus, provided information that on the days of January 23-24, over 150 people were detained, arrested, and subjected to political persecution by the KGB.
According to Latushka, these detentions of renowned politicians, journalists, and analysts are a result of alleged "participation in a conspiracy aimed at seizing power in Belarus" by Lukashenko's regime. The former minister and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management explained that the dictator is consolidating power ahead of appointing his deputies to the parliament on February 25.
“Belarus is turning into a North Korea in the heart of Europe. I constantly ask myself: Will international law ever be applied against a dictator and members of his junta? All legal tools are available to our democratic country partners,” Latushka relayed.
Sources: PAP, WP, X
