Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections

The non-partisan observation initiative "Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections" has published the final analytical report on the results of observation of the 2020 presidential elections in the Republic of Belarus.

The Human Rights Center “Viasna” knows the names of over sixty persons arrested in various cities of Belarus on criminal charges following the post-election protests.

Joint statement of the Belarusian human rights organizations

Around a thousand protesters were reportedly detained last night after riot police dispersed dozens of local demonstrations in 25 cities across the country. Fifty demonstrators were injured and had to seek medical assistance, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The electoral process at all of its stages did not comply with a number of basic international standards for democratic and fair elections and was accompanied by numerous violations of these principles and requirements of national legislation.

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

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.

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

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

At least 11 election observers have been detained in various parts of Belarus after the early voting phase was launched on Tuesday, August 4, according to “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” and media reports.