Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections

The domestic election observation campaign “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” has presented a report on the interim results of observation of the presidential election at a press conference on August 10. The human rights activists called the 2020 vote “the worst election ever”.

Amidst intimidation and disproportionate police force against protesters in Belarus following reports of serious administrative misconduct during yesterday’s presidential election, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for dialogue and urges the authorities to refrain from violence and to honestly report detailed election results from all polling stations.

A protester reportedly died last night during a violent clash between demonstrators and riot police in Prytycki Avenue in Minsk, according to the authorities. The Interior Ministry said the man was killed after he tried to cast a self-made bomb. However, the information is not confirmed by any evidence.

Joint statement by human rights organizations of Belarus

Joint Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi on the Presidential elections

Several hundreds persons were detained last night after riot police dispersed a series of post-election protests in Minsk and other cities of Belarus.

The restrictions imposed by the CEC on the number of observers at polling stations during early voting made this electoral phase completely non-transparent for independent citizen observation. These restrictions were aimed at disrupting independent observation of this stage, rather than pursuing the declared medical safety measures in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.

Maryia Maroz, manager of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s presidential campaign headquarters, has been detained this afternoon, according to the candidate’s spokesperson Hanna Krasulina.

The phase of election campaigning differed significantly from the previous elections by the wide activity of the protest electorate both in Minsk and in smaller cities of Belarus.

At least six people were detained last night after riot police and internal troops dispersed a cycling protest in central Minsk.

Aliaksandr Burakou and Ales Burakou (aka Alex Raycon), activists of the Human Rights Center “Viasna” in Mahilioŭ, have been sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention each.

Minsk DJs get 10 days in prison for playing "wrong" song; authorities thwart dozens of campaigning events by alternative candidates; early voting turnout hits record; two "Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections" observers lose accreditation

Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell ahead of the Presidential Elections

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” call to immediately release human rights activist Aliaksandr Burakou and drop the administrative charges he is facing.

Local human rights groups warn that the mobilisation of the military ahead of the August 9th elections could lead to further escalation of violence. FIDH and Viasna Human Rights Centre call on the Belarusian authorities to refrain from using violence against peaceful protesters and to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process.