Belarus should hold new elections after ‘massive and systemic' human rights violations, report finds

The report written by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said the vote was not ‘transparent, free or fair’ and should be annulled.

Belarusian pensioners and medical workers march during a rally to protest against the results of presidential elections in Minsk, Belarus, 02 November 2020 (EPA-EFE)

Belarus should hold new presidential elections after “massive and systemic” human rights violations and “serious cases of torture”, a new independent report has found.

The document written by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said the vote was not ‘transparent, free or fair’ and should be annulled.

It added the country should “organise new genuine presidential elections based on international standards” and launch an investigation into allegations of torture.

Alexander Lukashenko declared victory on August 9 sparking widespread protests after concerns the vote was fraudulent.

The report added that in the three days following the election security forces used ‘excessive violence’ against protesters, with 500 cases of torture or ill-treatment.

Violence against Belarusians by the state has continued since then but at a lower rate.

Rachel Denber, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch said: “This is an extremely important and timely report that captures a wide range of repression and cruelty that Belarusian authorities have unleashed on peaceful democracy protesters and their supporters.” 

“Governments should use this as a blueprint for action, to ensure that that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of accountability for the human rights crimes that continue in Belarus."

Autocrat Mr Lukashenko has governed the country for 26 years and was handed a sixth-term after his most recent victory with 80 per cent of the vote.

However the election was widely seen as rigged and Mr Lukashenko’s now-exiled main challenger in the vote, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has called for his resignation and a new election.

Mr Lukashenko has discussed amending the Belarus constitution which is seen as an attempt to end the political crisis in the country.

More than 15,000 people have been arrested since protests erupted in the country and they have continued unabated despite a police crackdown.

Britain’s foreign minister Dominic Raab also called for new elections after the publication of the OSCE report.

Mr Raab said: “New elections which are free and fair must now be organised, and those responsible for the violence against demonstrators held to account.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted that the OSCE report provides the Belarusian authorities with a roadmap out of the crisis.

This includes an end to violence, the release "of all those who have been unjustly detained" and engagement in a national dialogue with the opposition. 

"We remain inspired by the resilience and dignity of the Belarusian people," Mr Pompeo said in a statement.

It comes as 200 disabled people rallied in the Belarus capital Thursday to continue the widespread protests.

They demonstrated in Minsk's central avenue chanting "Go away!" and "Your time is over", common slogans used by activists over the last three months.