On Tuesday, the authorities in Minsk unleashed a new wave of persecution against the members of the democratic forces in Belarus. The attacks are aimed at intimidating and eliminating potential political opponents, especially ahead of the parliamentary elections in February next year. 

Lukashenko’s services raided apartments of key figures of the Belarusian pro-democratic forces and their families, and announced the seizure of properties and other assets.

The European Union condemns the attacks on representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and their families, which are yet another deplorable example of the ongoing repressions and misuse of power by Lukashenko and his regime.

The EU will continue to support all those who courageously stand up for an independent and democratic Belarus, and is ready to take further action in response to continued serious human rights violations.

We call on the regime to refrain from any further repression and violence directed against the Belarusian people, and to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners.

Belarusian citizens deserve the right to be represented by those they freely choose through transparent, free and fair elections.