New elections and Lukashenko non grata: European Parliament parties supported protests in Belarus

The parties of the European Parliament called on the Belarusian authorities to hold new presidential elections, as well as to release all political prisoners in the country.

“We applaud the Belarusian people for their courage and determination and strongly support their desire for democratic change and freedom. The August 9 presidential election was neither free nor fair, and credible reports point to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's victory. Therefore, we do not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the re-elected President of Belarus and consider him persona non grata in the European Union,” the European Parliament said in a statement.

In a joint statement, the parties strongly condemned the arrests and "horrific acts of violence and torture committed against peaceful demonstrators" and called for "a comprehensive investigation into these crimes, which cannot go unpunished."

“We urge to draw up a sanctions list as soon as possible. People who commit these crimes should be banned from entering the EU and have their assets frozen. The European Union can and should do more to advance the cause of democracy and freedom in Belarus, including by immediately ending all financial support to the government and state-controlled projects.

In addition to appealing to the Belarusian authorities and Alexander Lukashenko, the parties of the European Parliament appealed to the Russian leadership. “We call on the Russian Federation to refrain from any intervention, covert or overt, in Belarus after the elections and call on EU institutions and member states to vigilantly counter any Russian actions in this regard.”

• In today's address, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said that it is necessary to hold elections in Belarus again, the results of which would be supported by the world community. A few days ago, the wife of the former candidate for the presidency of Belarus, Valery Tsepkalo, Svetlana, also turned to the international community and urged him to help "stop the bloodshed" in the country and "hold free and democratic elections."

• Today, Lukashenka ruled out a re-run of the elections. “We have held elections. Until you kill me, there will be no other elections,” the president said .

• Lukashenka's victory in the elections was also not recognized by Great Britain and Germany.