British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft&nbsp;to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia. UK also summoned Belarusian ambassador over the issue of forced diversion of a passenger plane that culminated into arrest of a 26-year-old Belarusian activist who opposed country's President Alexander Lukashenko.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had told the Civil Aviation Authority to issue instructions "in order to keep passengers safe".&nbsp;

He also suspended the operating permit of Belavia, which flies daily London Gatwick to Minsk flights via Paris in a code-share with Air France.

Belarus on Sunday (Indian time) sent a fighter jet plane to divert a Lithuania-bound Rayanair passenger plane and arrested a 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich. This has raised tensions as Belarus drew a lot of flak from European countries as well as the USA.

Russia appears to have sided with Belarus as it said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-finds-belarus-approach-to-plane-incident-reasonable-387125">Belarusian response to the plane incident was "reasonable"</a>

Roman Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities on Sunday is a Belarusian journalist and activist.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-finds-belarus-approach-to-plane-incident-reasonable-387125">Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable'</a>

Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia.

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia. UK also summoned Belarusian ambassador over the issue of forced diversion of a passenger plane that culminated into arrest of a 26-year-old Belarusian activist who opposed country's President Alexander Lukashenko. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had told the Civil Aviation Authority to issue instructions "in order to keep passengers safe". He also suspended the operating permit of Belavia, which flies daily London Gatwick to Minsk flights via Paris in a code-share with Air France. Belarus on Sunday (Indian time) sent a fighter jet plane to divert a Lithuania-bound Rayanair passenger plane and arrested a 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich. This has raised tensions as Belarus drew a lot of flak from European countries as well as the USA. Russia appears to have sided with Belarus as it said that Belarusian response to the plane incident was "reasonable" Roman Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities on Sunday is a Belarusian journalist and activist. Also Read | Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable' Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

UK orders aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace, suspends Belavia

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision.

Belarus,&nbsp;led by its strongman President Alexander Lukashenko late on Sunday (Indian time) sent a figher plane to divert Ryanair passenger plane bound for Lithuania. The plane was forced to land in Belarus and 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich was arrested

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach".&nbsp;

"A representative of the Belarusian foreign ministry... stressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to act on the issue in a transparent manner and to follow all international rules," Lavrov said during a press conference following a meeting with his Greek counterpart.

"I think this is an absolutely reasonable approach."

He called on the global community to "soberly assess the situation".

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Belarus has received harsh criticism from western countries. Western leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-sends-fighter-jet-to-divert-passenger-plane-detains-opponent-386961">called the incident an "act of state terrorism"</a> and the EU was expected Monday to toughen sanctions against Belarus.

Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities is a Belarusian journalist and activist.

Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-sends-fighter-jet-to-divert-passenger-plane-detains-opponent-386961">Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent</a>

Last year, Protasevich and Putilo were accused by Belarusian authorities of a number of crimes including organising mass riots. Protasevich left the Nexta project last year.

He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in Belarus.

Lufthansa flight takes off from Minsk

Meanwhile, Lufthansa flight suspended in Minsk on Monday due to security alert took off for Frankfurt with all passengers on board.

"The flight took off 10 minutes ago," an airline spokesman told AFP at about 1330 GMT, one day after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Belarus.&nbsp;

"All passengers were on board as planned."&nbsp;

Lufthansa said all luggage and freight had been removed from the aircraft, in which there were 51 people including five crew members, for fresh security checks after Belarusian authorities said they had received a "security warning".

"We regret the inconvenience for the passengers but the security of our passengers, crew and the plane take top priority at Lufthansa," the spokesman said.

Soon after Lufthansa announced the flight's suspension, Minsk airport said on its Telegram channel that "all necessary measures" to check the plane and its passengers had been completed.

(With agency inputs)

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision.

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision. Belarus, led by its strongman President Alexander Lukashenko late on Sunday (Indian time) sent a figher plane to divert Ryanair passenger plane bound for Lithuania. The plane was forced to land in Belarus and 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich was arrested Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach". "A representative of the Belarusian foreign ministry... stressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to act on the issue in a transparent manner and to follow all international rules," Lavrov said during a press conference following a meeting with his Greek counterpart. "I think this is an absolutely reasonable approach." He called on the global community to "soberly assess the situation". × Belarus has received harsh criticism from western countries. Western leaders called the incident an "act of state terrorism" and the EU was expected Monday to toughen sanctions against Belarus. Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities is a Belarusian journalist and activist. Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020. Also Read | Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent Last year, Protasevich and Putilo were accused by Belarusian authorities of a number of crimes including organising mass riots. Protasevich left the Nexta project last year. He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in Belarus. Lufthansa flight takes off from Minsk Meanwhile, Lufthansa flight suspended in Minsk on Monday due to security alert took off for Frankfurt with all passengers on board. "The flight took off 10 minutes ago," an airline spokesman told AFP at about 1330 GMT, one day after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Belarus. "All passengers were on board as planned." Lufthansa said all luggage and freight had been removed from the aircraft, in which there were 51 people including five crew members, for fresh security checks after Belarusian authorities said they had received a "security warning". "We regret the inconvenience for the passengers but the security of our passengers, crew and the plane take top priority at Lufthansa," the spokesman said. Soon after Lufthansa announced the flight's suspension, Minsk airport said on its Telegram channel that "all necessary measures" to check the plane and its passengers had been completed. (With agency inputs)

Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered a Ryanair flight heading for Lithuania carrying a young opposition blogger to land in Belarus on Sunday and detained him upon arrival, prompting Lithuania to call for a NATO response.

Belarus President forces Ryanair flight carrying prominent opposition journalists to land in Minsk

Belarusian&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;Telegram channel Nexta said Sunday its former editor and&nbsp;exiled&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;activist&nbsp;Roman Protasevich had been detained in Minsk after his flight made an emergency landing under orders from President Alexander Lukashenko.

The move comes amid an intensifying crackdown following historic demonstrations that gripped the ex-Soviet country after a disputed presidential election last year.

Nexta Live and its sister channel Nexta, with close to 2 million subscribers on the Telegram messenger, are prominent voices of the&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;and helped mobilise protesters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-thousands-of-protesters-march-demand-lukashenkos-resignation-347989">Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation</a>

Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of Lukashenko, who has ruled with an iron fist for over two decades and in August secured a landslide victory in an election his opponents say was rigged.

Protasevich was on Sunday aboard a Ryanair flight from Athens to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, which made an emergency landing following a bomb scare, TASS news agency reported citing the press service of Minsk&nbsp;airport.

"The plane was checked, no bomb was found and all passengers were sent for another security search," Nexta said.&nbsp;"Among them was... Nexta journalist Roman Protasevich. He was detained."

It added that Protasevich said he was followed before boarding the flight.

The Belarusian Interior Ministry initially confirmed the detention on Telegram, but the post was later deleted.

Last year, 26-year old Protasevich and Nexta founder Stepan Putilo, 22, were added to&nbsp;Belarus's list of "individuals involved in terrorist activity".

The two bloggers, who live in Poland, were added to the list based on earlier charges of causing mass unrest, an offence that can lead to up to 15 years of imprisonment.

Belarus&nbsp;had also labelled the Nexta Telegram channels and its logo "extremist" and ordered it blocked.

'Abhorrent action'&nbsp;

The Telegram channel of Lukashenko's press service said the president gave the order to turn the flight around. It added that he also ordered a Mig-29 fighter jet to accompany the aircraft.&nbsp;

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Twitter called the incident an "unprecedented event" and said that the&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;"regime is behind the abhorrent action".&nbsp;

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Unprecedented event! A civilian passenger plane flying to Vilnius was forcibly landed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Minsk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Minsk</a>. Belarusian political activist &amp; founder of <a href="https://twitter.com/NEXTA_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NEXTA_EN</a> was on the plane. He is arrested. 🇧🇾 regime is behind the abhorrent action. I demand to free Roman Protasevič urgently!
— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) <a href="https://twitter.com/GitanasNauseda/status/1396454557866242050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"It is absolutely obvious that this is an operation of secret services to capture the plane in order to detain&nbsp;activist&nbsp;and blogger Roman Protasevich,"&nbsp;exiled&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said on Telegram.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;believes that Tikhanovskaya, who fled to neighbouring Lithuania after the election, was the true winner of last year's presidential vote.&nbsp;

Both Tikhanovskaya and Nexta say that Protasevich could face the death penalty in&nbsp;Belarus.

A member of the Nexta team, Tadeusz Giczan, said on Twitter that representatives of the Belarusian security agency were on the flight with Protasevich.

"Then when the plane had entered&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;airspace, the KGB officers initiated a fight with the Ryanair crew insisting there's an IED onboard," he said.

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What we know so far: KGB operatives boarded the plane in Athens this morning together with Roman Protasevich (he noticed dodgy-looking ppl taking pics of him at the gate). Then when the plane has entered Belarus airspace KGB officers initiated a fight with the Ryanair crew (1/2)
— Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TadeuszGiczan/status/1396446650718117890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A spokeswoman for state company "Lithuanian airports", Lina Beisine, told AFP that Minsk&nbsp;airport&nbsp;said the flight was redirected "due to a conflict between a member of the crew and the passengers".&nbsp;

There was no immediate reaction from Ryanair.

The European Union and the United States have sanctioned Lukashenko and dozens of officials and businessmen tied to his regime with asset freezes and visa bans.

The historic&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;protests, which left at least four people dead, have now subsided, but journalists and activists continue to receive prison sentences in the aftermath.

Belarusian opposition Telegram channel Nexta said Sunday its former editor and exiled opposition activist Roman Protasevich had been detained in Minsk after his flight made an emergency landing under orders from President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarusian opposition Telegram channel Nexta said Sunday its former editor and exiled opposition activist Roman Protasevich had been detained in Minsk after his flight made an emergency landing under orders from President Alexander Lukashenko. The move comes amid an intensifying crackdown following historic demonstrations that gripped the ex-Soviet country after a disputed presidential election last year. Nexta Live and its sister channel Nexta, with close to 2 million subscribers on the Telegram messenger, are prominent voices of the Belarus opposition and helped mobilise protesters. Also Read | Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of Lukashenko, who has ruled with an iron fist for over two decades and in August secured a landslide victory in an election his opponents say was rigged. Protasevich was on Sunday aboard a Ryanair flight from Athens to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, which made an emergency landing following a bomb scare, TASS news agency reported citing the press service of Minsk airport. "The plane was checked, no bomb was found and all passengers were sent for another security search," Nexta said. "Among them was... Nexta journalist Roman Protasevich. He was detained." It added that Protasevich said he was followed before boarding the flight. The Belarusian Interior Ministry initially confirmed the detention on Telegram, but the post was later deleted. Last year, 26-year old Protasevich and Nexta founder Stepan Putilo, 22, were added to Belarus's list of "individuals involved in terrorist activity". The two bloggers, who live in Poland, were added to the list based on earlier charges of causing mass unrest, an offence that can lead to up to 15 years of imprisonment. Belarus had also labelled the Nexta Telegram channels and its logo "extremist" and ordered it blocked. 'Abhorrent action' The Telegram channel of Lukashenko's press service said the president gave the order to turn the flight around. It added that he also ordered a Mig-29 fighter jet to accompany the aircraft. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Twitter called the incident an "unprecedented event" and said that the Belarus "regime is behind the abhorrent action". Unprecedented event! A civilian passenger plane flying to Vilnius was forcibly landed in #Minsk. Belarusian political activist & founder of @NEXTA_EN was on the plane. He is arrested. 🇧🇾 regime is behind the abhorrent action. I demand to free Roman Protasevič urgently! — Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) May 23, 2021 × "It is absolutely obvious that this is an operation of secret services to capture the plane in order to detain activist and blogger Roman Protasevich," exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said on Telegram. The opposition believes that Tikhanovskaya, who fled to neighbouring Lithuania after the election, was the true winner of last year's presidential vote. Both Tikhanovskaya and Nexta say that Protasevich could face the death penalty in Belarus. A member of the Nexta team, Tadeusz Giczan, said on Twitter that representatives of the Belarusian security agency were on the flight with Protasevich. "Then when the plane had entered Belarus airspace, the KGB officers initiated a fight with the Ryanair crew insisting there's an IED onboard," he said. What we know so far: KGB operatives boarded the plane in Athens this morning together with Roman Protasevich (he noticed dodgy-looking ppl taking pics of him at the gate). Then when the plane has entered Belarus airspace KGB officers initiated a fight with the Ryanair crew (1/2) — Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) May 23, 2021 × A spokeswoman for state company "Lithuanian airports", Lina Beisine, told AFP that Minsk airport said the flight was redirected "due to a conflict between a member of the crew and the passengers". There was no immediate reaction from Ryanair. The European Union and the United States have sanctioned Lukashenko and dozens of officials and businessmen tied to his regime with asset freezes and visa bans. The historic Belarus protests, which left at least four people dead, have now subsided, but journalists and activists continue to receive prison sentences in the aftermath.

Exiled activist held at Belarus airport: Opposition

Ten Belarusians have filed a criminal complaint in Germany against President Alexander Lukashenko and members of his regime for crimes against humanity during a brutal post-election crackdown, lawyers representing them said Wednesday.

Acting on behalf of "torture victims", the lawyers have submitted a complaint to federal prosecutors in the city of Karlsruhe against Lukashenko "and other Belarusian security officers", they said in a statement.

The federal prosecutor's office confirmed to AFP that it had received the complaint.

Lawyers Mark Lupschitz, Onur Ozata, Roland Krause, and Benedikt Lux said their clients had documented more than 100 examples of "violence, systematic torture and other abuses" during the government crackdown on protests against alleged electoral fraud since August 2020.

"The incumbent government is severely oppressing its own population with a crackdown including arbitrary arrests, politically motivated criminal persecution and other forms of repression," they said.&nbsp;

The lawyers said the plaintiffs had all been imprisoned and reported instances of "spurious arrests, torture and abuse" while they were held.

"Furthermore, they were held in much too small cells or transport vehicles, and were physically abused, humiliated, threatened, insulted and degraded in other ways," they said.

The case is being brought on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, including war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed.

Germany has been particularly active in pursuing such cases linked to the Syrian regime, and in February convicted a former Syrian intelligence agent for complicity in crimes against humanity.

Eyad al-Gharib, 44, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in the first verdict worldwide over state-sponsored torture by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.

In March, a Gambian man was arrested in Germany on suspicion of being part of an army unit that carried out assassinations on behalf of then president Yahya Jammeh, with the victims including an AFP journalist.

Reporters Without Borders has also asked a German court to investigate crimes against humanity by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Lukashenko claimed victory for a sixth term in August elections that were widely criticised internationally and by the opposition as fraudulent.

State authorities responded to weeks of mass protests with force and have sentenced hundreds of people to lengthy jail terms. Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who says she won the vote, fled abroad.

Tikhanovskaya has been staying in Lithuania since fleeing her home country and has been working tirelessly to draw attention to the crisis in Belarus and seek support for new elections.

But despite being slapped with EU sanctions over the violent crackdown, Lukashenko and his allies have held firm, with the authoritarian leader saying he has withstood a revolution directed by the West.

More than 400 activists, protesters and journalists have so far been convicted in a sweeping crackdown by the regime, which has strong support from Moscow.

The German government had said in February it was ready to host 50 opponents of Lukashenko after their protests were met with harsh crackdowns by the regime.

Ten Belarusians have filed a criminal complaint in Germany against President Alexander Lukashenko and members of his regime for crimes against humanity during a brutal post-election crackdown, lawyers representing them said Wednesday.

Ten Belarusians have filed a criminal complaint in Germany against President Alexander Lukashenko and members of his regime for crimes against humanity during a brutal post-election crackdown, lawyers representing them said Wednesday. Acting on behalf of "torture victims", the lawyers have submitted a complaint to federal prosecutors in the city of Karlsruhe against Lukashenko "and other Belarusian security officers", they said in a statement. The federal prosecutor's office confirmed to AFP that it had received the complaint. Lawyers Mark Lupschitz, Onur Ozata, Roland Krause, and Benedikt Lux said their clients had documented more than 100 examples of "violence, systematic torture and other abuses" during the government crackdown on protests against alleged electoral fraud since August 2020. "The incumbent government is severely oppressing its own population with a crackdown including arbitrary arrests, politically motivated criminal persecution and other forms of repression," they said. The lawyers said the plaintiffs had all been imprisoned and reported instances of "spurious arrests, torture and abuse" while they were held. "Furthermore, they were held in much too small cells or transport vehicles, and were physically abused, humiliated, threatened, insulted and degraded in other ways," they said. The case is being brought on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, including war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed. Germany has been particularly active in pursuing such cases linked to the Syrian regime, and in February convicted a former Syrian intelligence agent for complicity in crimes against humanity. Eyad al-Gharib, 44, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in the first verdict worldwide over state-sponsored torture by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. In March, a Gambian man was arrested in Germany on suspicion of being part of an army unit that carried out assassinations on behalf of then president Yahya Jammeh, with the victims including an AFP journalist. Reporters Without Borders has also asked a German court to investigate crimes against humanity by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Lukashenko claimed victory for a sixth term in August elections that were widely criticised internationally and by the opposition as fraudulent. State authorities responded to weeks of mass protests with force and have sentenced hundreds of people to lengthy jail terms. Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who says she won the vote, fled abroad. Tikhanovskaya has been staying in Lithuania since fleeing her home country and has been working tirelessly to draw attention to the crisis in Belarus and seek support for new elections. But despite being slapped with EU sanctions over the violent crackdown, Lukashenko and his allies have held firm, with the authoritarian leader saying he has withstood a revolution directed by the West. More than 400 activists, protesters and journalists have so far been convicted in a sweeping crackdown by the regime, which has strong support from Moscow. The German government had said in February it was ready to host 50 opponents of Lukashenko after their protests were met with harsh crackdowns by the regime.

Belarusians file case in Germany against Lukashenko regime

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the economic support that his country received last year.

Belarus Prez Lukashenko thanks Putin as Russia provided country $1.5BN in 2020

Skii-lful evening: Putin and Lukashenko go skiing to discuss important matters

Alexander Lukashenko, the embattled Belarusian president who has ruled the country for 27 years, has said that his country has never had any political prisoners.

"If someone takes a criminal code or our other laws and shows at least one political article in the criminal code and says somebody has been sentenced based on that political article, we will think which decisions to make. We have never had, and we don't have, any political prisoners," said Alexander Lukashenko, in a speech to the national assembly.

Lukashenko also said that a new constitution will be adopted in a referendum this year.

"Probably, we will combine it with local elections," he said.

Mass protests have gripped the ex-Soviet nation of 9.5 million people since official results from the August 9 presidential election gave Lukashenko a landslide victory and a sixth term at office.

The main opposition candidate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and her supporters have dismissed the result as rigged, and some poll workers also have described manipulations of the vote.

Authorities have cracked down hard on the largely peaceful demonstrations, the biggest of which attracted up to 200,000 people.

Police have used stun grenades, tear gas and truncheons to disperse the rallies.

According to human rights advocates, more than 30,000 people have been detained since the protests began, and thousands of them were brutally beaten.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for more than 26 years, relentlessly stifling dissent and relying on cheap energy and other subsidies from his main ally, Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alexander Lukashenko, the embattled Belarusian president who has ruled the country for 27 years, has said that his country has never had any political prisoners.

Alexander Lukashenko, the embattled Belarusian president who has ruled the country for 27 years, has said that his country has never had any political prisoners. "If someone takes a criminal code or our other laws and shows at least one political article in the criminal code and says somebody has been sentenced based on that political article, we will think which decisions to make. We have never had, and we don't have, any political prisoners," said Alexander Lukashenko, in a speech to the national assembly. Lukashenko also said that a new constitution will be adopted in a referendum this year. "Probably, we will combine it with local elections," he said. Mass protests have gripped the ex-Soviet nation of 9.5 million people since official results from the August 9 presidential election gave Lukashenko a landslide victory and a sixth term at office. The main opposition candidate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and her supporters have dismissed the result as rigged, and some poll workers also have described manipulations of the vote. Authorities have cracked down hard on the largely peaceful demonstrations, the biggest of which attracted up to 200,000 people. Police have used stun grenades, tear gas and truncheons to disperse the rallies. According to human rights advocates, more than 30,000 people have been detained since the protests began, and thousands of them were brutally beaten. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for more than 26 years, relentlessly stifling dissent and relying on cheap energy and other subsidies from his main ally, Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

No political prisoners in Belarus: Alexander Lukashenko

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has denounced six months of a massive protest against his rule as a foreign directed rebellion.

Belarus: President Lukashenko vows to defeat 'foreign-backed rebellion'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday said that the country had defeated a foreign "blitzkrieg" after massive protests and rallies that were held across the country to push the strongman out of power after decades-long rule.&nbsp;

"The blitzkrieg did not succeed, we held on to our country," Lukashenko in a speech at the opening of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly in Minsk said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Lukashenko is presiding the People's Assembly which he announced late last year to push for reforms in the wake of huge protests.&nbsp;

Nearly 3,000 delegates that are hand-picked by the government are participating in the assembly, a traditional meeting from the Soviet era.

For the last six months, there has been a brutal crackdown from Belarusian government on dissenters that demand his exit after the controversial presidential election whos credibility is questioned internationally.&nbsp;

He has not hinted on the possible reforms and insisted he will not leave "presidency".

"I will not suddenly give up the presidency," Lukashenko recently said.&nbsp;

"I have nothing other than Belarus. I cling to it and I hold on to it". 
&nbsp;

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday said that the country had defeated a foreign "blitzkrieg" after massive protests and rallies that were held across the country to push the strongman out of power after decades-long rule.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday said that the country had defeated a foreign "blitzkrieg" after massive protests and rallies that were held across the country to push the strongman out of power after decades-long rule. "The blitzkrieg did not succeed, we held on to our country," Lukashenko in a speech at the opening of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly in Minsk said. Watch | Lukashenko is presiding the People's Assembly which he announced late last year to push for reforms in the wake of huge protests. Nearly 3,000 delegates that are hand-picked by the government are participating in the assembly, a traditional meeting from the Soviet era. For the last six months, there has been a brutal crackdown from Belarusian government on dissenters that demand his exit after the controversial presidential election whos credibility is questioned internationally. He has not hinted on the possible reforms and insisted he will not leave "presidency". "I will not suddenly give up the presidency," Lukashenko recently said. "I have nothing other than Belarus. I cling to it and I hold on to it".

Foreign 'blitzkrieg' on Belarus failed: Alexander Lukashenko

Thousands of protesters marched in Belarus capital Minsk and elsewhere on Sunday as protests continued against President Alexander Lukashenko. Police detained more than 300 people.&nbsp;

Belarus has been rocked by mass protest since presidential elections in August which Lukashenko claims to have won. His opponents say that the election was rigged and are demanding his resignation ever since.

Lukashenko is considered close to Russia, which sees Belarus as a buffer against NATO.

On Sunday, most protesters marched in remote residential areas of Minsk. They clapped hands, shouted "long live Belarus" and waving white flags with a red stripe in the middle, a symbol of the opposition.

"This (protest) does work as it is impossible to rule the country when the majority does not accept you. With protests we are showing that we are the majority," said one of the protesters Alisa, 21.

Lukashenko has remained in power for 26 years. He has shrugged off the protests saying they are sponsored by the West. He has shown little signs of any willingness to start dialogue with the opposition.

Military vehicles and water cannons were seen on the streets of Minsk on Sunday while uniformed men, many in helmets, grabbed people in civilian clothes, a witness aid and videos posted on social media showed.

In Minsk alone, the police detained more than 300 people accused of "violating the law on mass events", Russia's TASS news agency quoted the Belarus interior ministry as saying.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged political forces in Belarus to try to resolve differences through dialogue, and also said the ex-Soviet republic, a close Moscow ally, was facing unprecedented meddling by external forces.

(With Reuters inputs)

Thousands of protesters marched in Belarus capital Minsk and elsewhere on Sunday as protests continued against President Alexander Lukashenko. Police detained more than 300 people.

Thousands of protesters marched in Belarus capital Minsk and elsewhere on Sunday as protests continued against President Alexander Lukashenko. Police detained more than 300 people. Belarus has been rocked by mass protest since presidential elections in August which Lukashenko claims to have won. His opponents say that the election was rigged and are demanding his resignation ever since. Lukashenko is considered close to Russia, which sees Belarus as a buffer against NATO. On Sunday, most protesters marched in remote residential areas of Minsk. They clapped hands, shouted "long live Belarus" and waving white flags with a red stripe in the middle, a symbol of the opposition. "This (protest) does work as it is impossible to rule the country when the majority does not accept you. With protests we are showing that we are the majority," said one of the protesters Alisa, 21. Lukashenko has remained in power for 26 years. He has shrugged off the protests saying they are sponsored by the West. He has shown little signs of any willingness to start dialogue with the opposition. Military vehicles and water cannons were seen on the streets of Minsk on Sunday while uniformed men, many in helmets, grabbed people in civilian clothes, a witness aid and videos posted on social media showed. In Minsk alone, the police detained more than 300 people accused of "violating the law on mass events", Russia's TASS news agency quoted the Belarus interior ministry as saying. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged political forces in Belarus to try to resolve differences through dialogue, and also said the ex-Soviet republic, a close Moscow ally, was facing unprecedented meddling by external forces. (With Reuters inputs)

Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday that he would be willing to step down from his position of power if a new constitution is adopted.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to resign if new constitution is adopted

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he would step down after a new constitution is adopted.

Belarus Unrest: Lukashenko to quit post under new constitution

The&nbsp;Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday that he would be willing to step down from his position of power if a new constitution is adopted.&nbsp;

"I am not making a new constitution for myself. With a new constitution, I will no longer work with you as president. So calm down," he was quoted saying by local media.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-police-uses-tear-gas-stun-grenades-to-disperse-protesters-343492">Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters</a>

The statement has come months after Belarus locals took to streets against what&nbsp;Lukashenko's rigged election win, and challenging his&nbsp;26-year long rule over the country.

In return, the President has brought down a strict crackdown on the protestors, resulting in several hundreds of protestors in jails and being treated in inhumane conditions — with the majority of his opponents behind bars.

"What worries me in this situation is that you cannot hand over such a constitution [as Belarus has now, with most power in the hands of the president] to an unknown president. There will be trouble," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-cannot-say-no-the-reign-of-terror-that-sustains-belarus-leader-343358" hreflang="en">'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader</a>

While many want to rejoice over this statement, experts believe this is simply one of the many comments that&nbsp;Lukashenko has made in the past, as this is not the first time he has hinted towards conceding. However, he has always failed to live by his words — in this area — the last one being in August when the demand for re-elections was at their peak from the locals and opposition leaders.

However, unlike other times, this time he has also added the disclaimer that he while he would be willing to give up his position, he would not be taking any decision under pressure or in a moment of heat. He added that he is ready to make&nbsp;genuine concessions.

Belarus police, however, has been using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters who are demonstrating against&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko&nbsp;the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday that he would be willing to step down from his position of power if a new constitution is adopted. "I am not making a new constitution for myself. With a new constitution, I will no longer work with you as president. So calm down," he was quoted saying by local media. Also read| Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters The statement has come months after Belarus locals took to streets against what Lukashenko's rigged election win, and challenging his 26-year long rule over the country. In return, the President has brought down a strict crackdown on the protestors, resulting in several hundreds of protestors in jails and being treated in inhumane conditions — with the majority of his opponents behind bars. "What worries me in this situation is that you cannot hand over such a constitution [as Belarus has now, with most power in the hands of the president] to an unknown president. There will be trouble," he said. Also read| 'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader While many want to rejoice over this statement, experts believe this is simply one of the many comments that Lukashenko has made in the past, as this is not the first time he has hinted towards conceding. However, he has always failed to live by his words — in this area — the last one being in August when the demand for re-elections was at their peak from the locals and opposition leaders. However, unlike other times, this time he has also added the disclaimer that he while he would be willing to give up his position, he would not be taking any decision under pressure or in a moment of heat. He added that he is ready to make genuine concessions. Belarus police, however, has been using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters who are demonstrating against Alexander Lukashenko the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the&nbsp;West of meddling&nbsp;in Belarus and&nbsp;pledged&nbsp;support to embattled&nbsp;President Lukashenko.

It comes as Lavrov&nbsp;met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.

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Lavrov sent regards from President Vladimir Putin who bestowed a $1.5 billion loan on&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;earlier in September in a gesture of support for Lukashenko.&nbsp;Russia is a traditional ally of&nbsp;Belarus.

Sergei Lavrov held talks with Lukashenko and other top officials in the capital Minsk, in the latest show of Russia's support for authorities in its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Thousands of protesters demanding Lukashenko's resignation have taken to the streets of Minsk every weekend since an August 9 election that saw the 66-year-old claim a sixth term in office.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belaruss-lukashenko-and-son-put-on-sanctions-list-of-european-union-341210">Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union</a>

Protesters believe political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 38, who took her jailed husband's place in the presidential race, was the true winner.

Moscow has continued to back Lukashenko since the protests erupted, with several meetings between senior officials from both sides in recent months.

Speaking at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Lavrov accused the United States and several European countries of "gross interference" in the domestic affairs of Belarus.

"The wise Belarusian people are able to sort themselves out without any outside prompting and intrusive offers of unsolicited mediation," Lavrov said.

Lukashenko has accused Western countries of orchestrating the demonstrations and conspiring to have him removed after 26 years in power.&nbsp;

Lavrov said the West is "using dirty methods of so-called colour revolutions, including manipulating public opinion, supporting forces that are openly anti-government and promoting their radicalisation".

Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the results of the election and voiced support for Tikhanovskaya, who fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the vote.&nbsp;

The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies citing election rigging and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators.&nbsp;

Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody.&nbsp;

They have continued to regularly arrest demonstrators and opposition figures, and several people have died during the protests.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of meddling in Belarus and pledged support to embattled President Lukashenko. It comes as Lavrov met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of meddling in Belarus and pledged support to embattled President Lukashenko. It comes as Lavrov met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election. Lavrov sent regards from President Vladimir Putin who bestowed a $1.5 billion loan on Belarus earlier in September in a gesture of support for Lukashenko. Russia is a traditional ally of Belarus. Sergei Lavrov held talks with Lukashenko and other top officials in the capital Minsk, in the latest show of Russia's support for authorities in its ex-Soviet neighbour. Thousands of protesters demanding Lukashenko's resignation have taken to the streets of Minsk every weekend since an August 9 election that saw the 66-year-old claim a sixth term in office. Also read: Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union Protesters believe political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 38, who took her jailed husband's place in the presidential race, was the true winner. Moscow has continued to back Lukashenko since the protests erupted, with several meetings between senior officials from both sides in recent months. Speaking at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Lavrov accused the United States and several European countries of "gross interference" in the domestic affairs of Belarus. "The wise Belarusian people are able to sort themselves out without any outside prompting and intrusive offers of unsolicited mediation," Lavrov said. Lukashenko has accused Western countries of orchestrating the demonstrations and conspiring to have him removed after 26 years in power. Lavrov said the West is "using dirty methods of so-called colour revolutions, including manipulating public opinion, supporting forces that are openly anti-government and promoting their radicalisation". Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the results of the election and voiced support for Tikhanovskaya, who fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the vote. The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies citing election rigging and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators. Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody. They have continued to regularly arrest demonstrators and opposition figures, and several people have died during the protests.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accuses West of interfering in Belarus

MINSK, Belarus — Appalled by savage police violence at the start of Belarus’ would-be revolution, the host of a popular morning show on state television quit his job in protest and declared that his country’s veteran leader, no matter how brutal, would never “force Belarusians back into the box they existed in for these 26 years.”

Arrested soon afterward and held in a grimy prison, the broadcaster, Denis Dudinsky, reappeared a few days later — this time with a video message calling on opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko to stop protesting.

Asked what made him change his mind, Dudinsky declined to go into details, just remarking obliquely that “these people know how to formulate their requests in such a way that you cannot say no.”

After nearly three months of protests that began with widespread anger over a rigged election, Lukashenko seems to be surviving the challenge to his power. He has managed this not just through harsh police tactics, hollow promises of reform or the passage of time. Rather, he has relied on a more insidious and often invisible machinery of persuasion, coercion and repression: a domestic security agency little changed from the Soviet era that, indeed, still uses its old Soviet name, the KGB.

“Over the past 26 years, Lukashenko has created a system of suppressing dissent in Belarus that instills the feeling of animal fear in people,” said Pavel P. Latushko, a former culture minister and onetime ambassador to France, Poland and Spain.

It controls a network of spies and monitors — known as “curators” — who oversee every establishment in the country, from schools and businesses to the presidential administration. Its agents collect compromising materials on just about anyone suspected of disloyalty and eavesdrop on the conversations of senior government officials to make sure they toe the party line.

Workers at factories and other state-run operations, which employ more than 40% of the country’s workforce, risk losing their jobs if they are suspected of being disloyal — one of the reasons Lukashenko maintains a quasi-Soviet economic model.

“You understand well that if you express your point of view, you will be held responsible,” Latushko said. “You can be reprimanded or face an administrative or criminal case. In the worst scenario, you can be destroyed physically.”

Some of those who get arrested refuse to submit to the constant physical menace. When Lukashenko met a group of high-profile political prisoners recently during a visit to a KGB prison, he was shouted at by one of the inmates — Sergey Tikhanovsky, the husband of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the opposition leader who ran in the presidential election in his stead after he was jailed.

“You, release me now!” he exclaimed.

But others took a softer line. After two months in the hands of the KGB, Yuri Voskresensky assured Lukashenko that he was seeking compromise and ready to act as a mediator.

Quickly released from a prison he described as “hell,” Voskresensky began hailing Lukashenko as a “strong leader” and an “open person” and said the KGB saw “a great potential” in him. In a stunning about-face, Voskresensky, who suffers from chronic diseases and had to receive regular treatment while in prison, urged opposition activists to stop protesting.

Voskresensky’s transformation highlighted how the legal system in Belarus, fed by numerous law enforcement agencies, serves only one goal: to keep Lukashenko in power indefinitely.

“We have two systems of law in the country: the one for normal crimes, such as murder or rape,” said Andrei V. Sytko, a former high-ranking prosecutor. “The second parallel system is driven by politics. The whole vertical of power from a police officer to the prosecutor general and the Supreme Court is working to defend the current political regime.”

And while Lukashenko does not manage that system from day to day, people within it pursue their tasks with a zealotry born of fear of the president.

“Officials are afraid of his righteous anger and are ready to commit punitive actions voluntarily,” said Sytko. “For them it is better to punish and overdo.”

In order to cement their loyalty, security officials get stable, if not lavish, salaries, with subsidized apartments and mortgages.

But there is a catch. Police officers and investigators who quit lose their pensions and are forced to pay back the bonus they received after their last contract renewal and tuition fees if they graduated recently.

A graduate of the Interior Ministry Academy owes about $10,000 for each year of study, a sum that is written off with every year of service, said Andrei I. Ostapovich, a former senior investigator and graduate of the academy.

“It is difficult to get there but much more difficult to leave it,” said Ostapovich, 27, referring to the law enforcement system.

Following a violent crackdown on protests after the election day in August, Ostapovich wrote a resignation letter in which he said that riot police members “were the only people who provoked violence” and that they executed “criminal orders.” Shortly after, he fled to Russia but was warned that he might be arrested there too.

He decided to flee to Latvia but was detained by Russian security services and driven back to Belarus in handcuffs with a dumbbell attached, he said. Once in Belarus, he escaped detention and had to walk through forests and marshes for days to reach Poland.

Law enforcement members also get brainwashed, said Yevgeny I. Babak, a former assistant prosecutor in Minsk, Belarus. Every week, he said, he had to attend “political information” classes where he had to sit through state-run propaganda news shows and fill up an “ideology notebook” with the main takeaways.

Despite the brainwashing, many law enforcement officials still faced a difficult choice: whether to take part in the brutal crackdown on protests in August or step down and face the risks. In June, Yevgeny M. Yushkevich, a former senior investigator, launched a project to help mitigate these risks, offering financial help and training for law enforcement officers who wanted to quit.

While working as an investigator, Yushkevich, 31, was asked to launch criminal investigations against political activists and journalists. (He said he refused.) One of the more common tactics was to find a link to a pornographic website in a target’s phone and charge the person with its distribution, a criminal offense in Belarus, he said.

Judges routinely make politically motivated rulings. Aleksei V. Pasko, a judge in the Pinsk district in the country's west, quit his job after he realized how many “political” cases he would have to hear after thousands of protesters were detained.

“I just got tired of all this,” said Pasko, 32. “I just decided that my moral compass wouldn’t allow me to do this in such circumstances.”

Lawyers, the only actors in the system with some semblance of independence, are regularly threatened and harassed and sometimes have their licenses revoked. Maria Kolesava-Hudzilina, an acclaimed lawyer who has been defending jailed protesters, said she was often warned during visits with her clients that she “might not be able to leave the building.”

“If we take the 20th century in Europe, we are dealing with one of cruelest regimes that existed,” said Sergei Chaly, who worked with Lukashenko at the beginning of his career and is now an analyst of Belarusian affairs. “This is the type of evil that Europe hasn’t seen for decades.”

As of this writing, weekly protests against Lukashenko are continuing, with more than 1,000 people detained at a demonstration in Minsk this past Sunday. For some, like Anatoly A. Kotov, who worked in the presidential affairs office until late August, the opposition has been eye-opening.

The party line “has come down to a very simple idea that we don’t serve the Belarusian state; we serve Lukashenko personally.”

However, most members of what he termed the “semimilitary regime” that Lukashenko built still cannot afford to take the side of the protesters.

“If you leave this system, you have nowhere else to go,” said Kotov, 40, speaking from Poland, where he was forced to flee.

MINSK, Belarus — Appalled by savage police violence at the start of Belarus’ would-be revolution, the host of a popular morning show on state television quit his job in protest and declared that his country’s veteran leader, no matter how brutal, would never “force Belarusians back into the box they existed in for these 26 years.

MINSK, Belarus — Appalled by savage police violence at the start of Belarus’ would-be revolution, the host of a popular morning show on state television quit his job in protest and declared that his country’s veteran leader, no matter how brutal, would never “force Belarusians back into the box they existed in for these 26 years.” Arrested soon afterward and held in a grimy prison, the broadcaster, Denis Dudinsky, reappeared a few days later — this time with a video message calling on opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko to stop protesting. Asked what made him change his mind, Dudinsky declined to go into details, just remarking obliquely that “these people know how to formulate their requests in such a way that you cannot say no.” After nearly three months of protests that began with widespread anger over a rigged election, Lukashenko seems to be surviving the challenge to his power. He has managed this not just through harsh police tactics, hollow promises of reform or the passage of time. Rather, he has relied on a more insidious and often invisible machinery of persuasion, coercion and repression: a domestic security agency little changed from the Soviet era that, indeed, still uses its old Soviet name, the KGB. “Over the past 26 years, Lukashenko has created a system of suppressing dissent in Belarus that instills the feeling of animal fear in people,” said Pavel P. Latushko, a former culture minister and onetime ambassador to France, Poland and Spain. It controls a network of spies and monitors — known as “curators” — who oversee every establishment in the country, from schools and businesses to the presidential administration. Its agents collect compromising materials on just about anyone suspected of disloyalty and eavesdrop on the conversations of senior government officials to make sure they toe the party line. Workers at factories and other state-run operations, which employ more than 40% of the country’s workforce, risk losing their jobs if they are suspected of being disloyal — one of the reasons Lukashenko maintains a quasi-Soviet economic model. “You understand well that if you express your point of view, you will be held responsible,” Latushko said. “You can be reprimanded or face an administrative or criminal case. In the worst scenario, you can be destroyed physically.” Some of those who get arrested refuse to submit to the constant physical menace. When Lukashenko met a group of high-profile political prisoners recently during a visit to a KGB prison, he was shouted at by one of the inmates — Sergey Tikhanovsky, the husband of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the opposition leader who ran in the presidential election in his stead after he was jailed. “You, release me now!” he exclaimed. But others took a softer line. After two months in the hands of the KGB, Yuri Voskresensky assured Lukashenko that he was seeking compromise and ready to act as a mediator. Quickly released from a prison he described as “hell,” Voskresensky began hailing Lukashenko as a “strong leader” and an “open person” and said the KGB saw “a great potential” in him. In a stunning about-face, Voskresensky, who suffers from chronic diseases and had to receive regular treatment while in prison, urged opposition activists to stop protesting. Voskresensky’s transformation highlighted how the legal system in Belarus, fed by numerous law enforcement agencies, serves only one goal: to keep Lukashenko in power indefinitely. “We have two systems of law in the country: the one for normal crimes, such as murder or rape,” said Andrei V. Sytko, a former high-ranking prosecutor. “The second parallel system is driven by politics. The whole vertical of power from a police officer to the prosecutor general and the Supreme Court is working to defend the current political regime.” And while Lukashenko does not manage that system from day to day, people within it pursue their tasks with a zealotry born of fear of the president. “Officials are afraid of his righteous anger and are ready to commit punitive actions voluntarily,” said Sytko. “For them it is better to punish and overdo.” In order to cement their loyalty, security officials get stable, if not lavish, salaries, with subsidized apartments and mortgages. But there is a catch. Police officers and investigators who quit lose their pensions and are forced to pay back the bonus they received after their last contract renewal and tuition fees if they graduated recently. A graduate of the Interior Ministry Academy owes about $10,000 for each year of study, a sum that is written off with every year of service, said Andrei I. Ostapovich, a former senior investigator and graduate of the academy. “It is difficult to get there but much more difficult to leave it,” said Ostapovich, 27, referring to the law enforcement system. Following a violent crackdown on protests after the election day in August, Ostapovich wrote a resignation letter in which he said that riot police members “were the only people who provoked violence” and that they executed “criminal orders.” Shortly after, he fled to Russia but was warned that he might be arrested there too. He decided to flee to Latvia but was detained by Russian security services and driven back to Belarus in handcuffs with a dumbbell attached, he said. Once in Belarus, he escaped detention and had to walk through forests and marshes for days to reach Poland. Law enforcement members also get brainwashed, said Yevgeny I. Babak, a former assistant prosecutor in Minsk, Belarus. Every week, he said, he had to attend “political information” classes where he had to sit through state-run propaganda news shows and fill up an “ideology notebook” with the main takeaways. Despite the brainwashing, many law enforcement officials still faced a difficult choice: whether to take part in the brutal crackdown on protests in August or step down and face the risks. In June, Yevgeny M. Yushkevich, a former senior investigator, launched a project to help mitigate these risks, offering financial help and training for law enforcement officers who wanted to quit. While working as an investigator, Yushkevich, 31, was asked to launch criminal investigations against political activists and journalists. (He said he refused.) One of the more common tactics was to find a link to a pornographic website in a target’s phone and charge the person with its distribution, a criminal offense in Belarus, he said. Judges routinely make politically motivated rulings. Aleksei V. Pasko, a judge in the Pinsk district in the country's west, quit his job after he realized how many “political” cases he would have to hear after thousands of protesters were detained. “I just got tired of all this,” said Pasko, 32. “I just decided that my moral compass wouldn’t allow me to do this in such circumstances.” Lawyers, the only actors in the system with some semblance of independence, are regularly threatened and harassed and sometimes have their licenses revoked. Maria Kolesava-Hudzilina, an acclaimed lawyer who has been defending jailed protesters, said she was often warned during visits with her clients that she “might not be able to leave the building.” “If we take the 20th century in Europe, we are dealing with one of cruelest regimes that existed,” said Sergei Chaly, who worked with Lukashenko at the beginning of his career and is now an analyst of Belarusian affairs. “This is the type of evil that Europe hasn’t seen for decades.” As of this writing, weekly protests against Lukashenko are continuing, with more than 1,000 people detained at a demonstration in Minsk this past Sunday. For some, like Anatoly A. Kotov, who worked in the presidential affairs office until late August, the opposition has been eye-opening. The party line “has come down to a very simple idea that we don’t serve the Belarusian state; we serve Lukashenko personally.” However, most members of what he termed the “semimilitary regime” that Lukashenko built still cannot afford to take the side of the protesters. “If you leave this system, you have nowhere else to go,” said Kotov, 40, speaking from Poland, where he was forced to flee.

'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader

Police have fired warning shots and begun detaining participants in the capital city of Minsk on Sunday in the latest anti-government protest fueled by a disputed presidential election 12 weeks ago.

Thousands of protesters in Belarus swarmed the streets of the capital to demand the resignation of the country’s longtime president for the 12th straight Sunday and encountered police firing warning shots in the air and using stun grenades to break up the crowds.&nbsp;

As many as 20,000 people took part in the rally, the Visana human rights centre estimated. Large crowds of people gathered in the eastern part of Minsk headed toward Kurapaty, a wooded area on the city's outskirts where over 200,000 people were executed by Soviet secret police during Stalinist-era purges.

Meanwhile, As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister.&nbsp;

Government has closed its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine over the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Belarusian leader has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country stepped into a political turmoil post his re-election over serious allegations that the polls were rigged.

Nearly three months after Belarus’ authoritarian president’s re-election to a sixth term in a vote widely seen as rigged, demonstrators keep swarming the streets of Belarusian cities to demand his resignation in the most massive and sustained wave of protests the ex-Soviet nation has ever seen.

While President Alexander Lukashenko has relied on massive arrests and intimidation tactics to hold on to power, the continuing rallies have cast an unprecedented challenge to his 26-year rule.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Police have fired warning shots and begun detaining participants in the capital city of Minsk on Sunday in the latest anti-government protest fueled by a disputed presidential election 12 weeks ago.

Police have fired warning shots and begun detaining participants in the capital city of Minsk on Sunday in the latest anti-government protest fueled by a disputed presidential election 12 weeks ago. Thousands of protesters in Belarus swarmed the streets of the capital to demand the resignation of the country’s longtime president for the 12th straight Sunday and encountered police firing warning shots in the air and using stun grenades to break up the crowds. As many as 20,000 people took part in the rally, the Visana human rights centre estimated. Large crowds of people gathered in the eastern part of Minsk headed toward Kurapaty, a wooded area on the city's outskirts where over 200,000 people were executed by Soviet secret police during Stalinist-era purges. Meanwhile, As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister. Government has closed its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine over the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Belarusian leader has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country stepped into a political turmoil post his re-election over serious allegations that the polls were rigged. Nearly three months after Belarus’ authoritarian president’s re-election to a sixth term in a vote widely seen as rigged, demonstrators keep swarming the streets of Belarusian cities to demand his resignation in the most massive and sustained wave of protests the ex-Soviet nation has ever seen. While President Alexander Lukashenko has relied on massive arrests and intimidation tactics to hold on to power, the continuing rallies have cast an unprecedented challenge to his 26-year rule. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus protests going strong: Forces fire tear gas, beat demonstrators in Minsk

Riot police fired warning shots into the air, used stun grenades and arrested more than 200 people to deter tens of thousands of Belarusians who marched through Minsk on Sunday to demand veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko leave power.

Tens of thousands protest in Belarus, defying warning shots

With Belarus still rocked by protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, the strongman leader promoted the Minsk police chief to new interior minister on Thursday.

Belarus: Lukashenko closes borders amid security shakeup

As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister.&nbsp;

Minsk said it has closed its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine over the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Belarusian leader has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country stepped into a political turmoil post his re-election over serious allegations that the polls were rigged.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-shakes-up-security-team-to-stamp-out-belarus-protests-338810">Lukashenko shakes up security team to stamp out Belarus protests</a>

Cars arriving in Belarus were denied entry from 1400 GMT, and in few hours the border was closed for outgoing cars, said Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the Lithuanian border guard, as quoted by news agency Reuters. He also said the new order came without an advance warning.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Minsk has also appointed Ivan Kubrakov, the head of police who is largely responsible for the crackdown on protesters demonstrating in Minsk, as the interior minister.

Meanwhile, streets of Minsk were largely deserted, though the main stories and pharmacies were open on Monday morning as the nationwide strike began following the expiry of the deadline for Lukashenko to step down, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Prominent opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had given Lukashenko until Sunday to resign, stop violence against demonstrators and release political prisoners, failing which would otherwise lead to a general strike from Monday.

Since Lukashenko's re-election, there have been mass protests in the country for the last two months with tens of thousands participating in these demonstrations every Sunday.&nbsp;

Many people have died and several others were arrested as government continued its crackdown on the protesters.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister.

As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister. Minsk said it has closed its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine over the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Belarusian leader has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country stepped into a political turmoil post his re-election over serious allegations that the polls were rigged. Also read | Lukashenko shakes up security team to stamp out Belarus protests Cars arriving in Belarus were denied entry from 1400 GMT, and in few hours the border was closed for outgoing cars, said Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the Lithuanian border guard, as quoted by news agency Reuters. He also said the new order came without an advance warning. Watch | Minsk has also appointed Ivan Kubrakov, the head of police who is largely responsible for the crackdown on protesters demonstrating in Minsk, as the interior minister. Meanwhile, streets of Minsk were largely deserted, though the main stories and pharmacies were open on Monday morning as the nationwide strike began following the expiry of the deadline for Lukashenko to step down, as reported by news agency AFP. Prominent opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had given Lukashenko until Sunday to resign, stop violence against demonstrators and release political prisoners, failing which would otherwise lead to a general strike from Monday. Since Lukashenko's re-election, there have been mass protests in the country for the last two months with tens of thousands participating in these demonstrations every Sunday. Many people have died and several others were arrested as government continued its crackdown on the protesters.

Alexander Lukashenko shuts Belarusian borders, replaces interior minister as mass protests continue

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported.

No details of the call were immediately available, the Belta news agency said.

Lukashenko, who is holding on to power despite major protests in recent weeks calling for him to resign, is facing the prospect of a national strike that could begin on Monday following an ultimatum set by opposition leaders.

Lukashenko has shown no sign he will heed the ultimatum and step down. Protests against his 26-year rule began following an Aug. 9 election victory his opponents say was rigged.

Washington has imposed sanctions on Belarus officials following violent crackdowns at demonstrations in Minsk and across the country.

Protesters shouting slogans and waving red-and-white opposition flags marched through the streets of Minsk on Saturday, footage taken by local media showed.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported. No details of the call were immediately available, the Belta news agency said. Lukashenko, who is holding on to power despite major protests in recent weeks calling for him to resign, is facing the prospect of a national strike that could begin on Monday following an ultimatum set by opposition leaders. Lukashenko has shown no sign he will heed the ultimatum and step down. Protests against his 26-year rule began following an Aug. 9 election victory his opponents say was rigged. Washington has imposed sanctions on Belarus officials following violent crackdowns at demonstrations in Minsk and across the country. Protesters shouting slogans and waving red-and-white opposition flags marched through the streets of Minsk on Saturday, footage taken by local media showed.

Belarus president Lukashenko speaks by phone to Pompeo: Media

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk.

Earlier in October, Tikhanovskaya warned the Belarusian authorities that all the enterprises across the country would start a nationwide strike and all roads would be blocked if the government failed to fulfil three demands: President Alexander Lukashenko should resign, violence against protesters should end, and all the political prisoners should be released. The ultimatum expires on Sunday.

"Last week, a 'People's Ultimatum' was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said.

The US embassy called on compatriots to avoid mass gatherings, monitor local media updates, carry proper identification at all times, including a US passport with a current Belarusian visa."Maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use," the statement said.

Mass opposition protests have been ongoing in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election in which Lukashenko secured his sixth consecutive term. The opposition has refused to recognize the official results and continues holding rallies.

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk.

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk. Earlier in October, Tikhanovskaya warned the Belarusian authorities that all the enterprises across the country would start a nationwide strike and all roads would be blocked if the government failed to fulfil three demands: President Alexander Lukashenko should resign, violence against protesters should end, and all the political prisoners should be released. The ultimatum expires on Sunday. "Last week, a 'People's Ultimatum' was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said. The US embassy called on compatriots to avoid mass gatherings, monitor local media updates, carry proper identification at all times, including a US passport with a current Belarusian visa."Maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use," the statement said. Mass opposition protests have been ongoing in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election in which Lukashenko secured his sixth consecutive term. The opposition has refused to recognize the official results and continues holding rallies.

US advises compatriots in Belarus to stock up essentials as opposition's ultimatum expires

Belarus is currently under political turmoil. Tens of thousands of people gather on the streets every weekend demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

WION Dispatch: Lukashenko to track down protesters in Belarus

Belarus is currently under a political turmoil. Tens of thousand of people gather on the streets every weekends demanding the resignation of the President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko's veiled threat to protesters

Belarus under a political turmoil, thousand of people hit the streets against President

The Belarusian President&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko visited jail on Saturday to meet the detained opposition leaders, the local media reported.

The news broke out when a&nbsp;pro-Lukashenko channel published a picture of the leader sitting at a decorated table with eleven other people who were casually-dressed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-several-eu-nations-uk-withdraws-envoy-from-belarus-334278">Also read:&nbsp;After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus</a>

Viktor Babariko,&nbsp;Lukashenko's rival, was also spotted sitting to the left of the President in this picture. It has been reported that Babariko was barred from running for the post of the President in the elections that took place in August. He was also allegedly detained, along with his son, in July.

While the picture surfaced on social media and local news channels, Babariko's spokesman, Gleb German, said he couldn't confirm the picture, even though it looked genuine.&nbsp;"Everyone is processing this information now," he said.

Others in the picture include Liliya Vlasova, a lawyer who is a member of the opposition's Coordination Council set up to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, and Vitali Shkliarov, a Belarusian-US strategist who worked on US Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and advised the Russian opposition.

The table was decorated with flowers, and everyone had a name card in front of them — except the President.&nbsp;The only woman seen at the table was a member of opposition coordination council, lawyer Lilia Vlasova, who was detained in late August.

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"I am trying to convince not only your supporters but the whole of society that one needs to look at things more broadly," he said in a video snippet.&nbsp;

The visit has come months after the country has been observing continuous protests against the President for allegedly rigging the elections to take a free win for his sixth term in the office.

As per the local media reports, the President discussed about proposed changes in the country's constitution.&nbsp;"The constitution can`t be written in the street," Belta&nbsp;quoted the president as saying.

However, this picture has still not been confirmed to be authentic by the international agencies or the government and their rivals.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited jail on Saturday to meet the detained opposition leaders, the local media reported. The news broke out when a pro-Lukashenko channel published a picture of the leader sitting at a decorated table with eleven other people who were casually-dressed.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited jail on Saturday to meet the detained opposition leaders, the local media reported. The news broke out when a pro-Lukashenko channel published a picture of the leader sitting at a decorated table with eleven other people who were casually-dressed. Also read: After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus Viktor Babariko, Lukashenko's rival, was also spotted sitting to the left of the President in this picture. It has been reported that Babariko was barred from running for the post of the President in the elections that took place in August. He was also allegedly detained, along with his son, in July. While the picture surfaced on social media and local news channels, Babariko's spokesman, Gleb German, said he couldn't confirm the picture, even though it looked genuine. "Everyone is processing this information now," he said. Others in the picture include Liliya Vlasova, a lawyer who is a member of the opposition's Coordination Council set up to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, and Vitali Shkliarov, a Belarusian-US strategist who worked on US Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and advised the Russian opposition. The table was decorated with flowers, and everyone had a name card in front of them — except the President. The only woman seen at the table was a member of opposition coordination council, lawyer Lilia Vlasova, who was detained in late August. × "I am trying to convince not only your supporters but the whole of society that one needs to look at things more broadly," he said in a video snippet. The visit has come months after the country has been observing continuous protests against the President for allegedly rigging the elections to take a free win for his sixth term in the office. As per the local media reports, the President discussed about proposed changes in the country's constitution. "The constitution can`t be written in the street," Belta quoted the president as saying. However, this picture has still not been confirmed to be authentic by the international agencies or the government and their rivals.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko visits jail to meet detained rivals: Reports

According to Russia's interior ministry, Belarusia's Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ,38, has been placed on the country's "wanted list".

Watch:

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Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya&nbsp;had fled to Lithuania after Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown over the August elections which critics said was fraudulent leading to large scale street protests.

Tsikhanouskaya said, "I'm really impressed by the German support of our Belarusian people who are fighting now for building our own democracy in Belarus," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said after talks with German foreign affairs expert Norbert Roettgen.

"I have met a lot of politicians who have offered help in solving our political crisis. I have talked to Madam Chancellor and she gave me really great piece of advice, how she sees the situation and how in her opinion that we can get out of this situation,"&nbsp;Tsikhanouskaya asserted.

Pointing towards Russia, Sviatlana said: "We don't want to say that Putin has to decide how to solve our problems. This is our internal problem." However, she added that she was in favour of inviting Putin as a "mediator alongside with other leaders" while adding "and that's it. We want to solve this problem by ourselves."

Tsikhanouskaya insisted that she was not in favour of any kind of bloodshed while highlighting the role of women in the "revolution" who she said are "fighting for the future of their children".

"They(women) don't want their children to be slaves of the system in the future, they show peacefully, they show peace and allow the riot police, they show that we don't want any kind of war and blood," she said.

According to Russia's interior ministry, Belarusia's Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ,38, has been placed on the country's "wanted list". Watch: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had fled to Lithuania after Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown over the August elections which critics said was fraudulent leading to large scale street protests.

According to Russia's interior ministry, Belarusia's Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ,38, has been placed on the country's "wanted list". Watch: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had fled to Lithuania after Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown over the August elections which critics said was fraudulent leading to large scale street protests. Tsikhanouskaya said, "I'm really impressed by the German support of our Belarusian people who are fighting now for building our own democracy in Belarus," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said after talks with German foreign affairs expert Norbert Roettgen. "I have met a lot of politicians who have offered help in solving our political crisis. I have talked to Madam Chancellor and she gave me really great piece of advice, how she sees the situation and how in her opinion that we can get out of this situation," Tsikhanouskaya asserted. Pointing towards Russia, Sviatlana said: "We don't want to say that Putin has to decide how to solve our problems. This is our internal problem." However, she added that she was in favour of inviting Putin as a "mediator alongside with other leaders" while adding "and that's it. We want to solve this problem by ourselves." Tsikhanouskaya insisted that she was not in favour of any kind of bloodshed while highlighting the role of women in the "revolution" who she said are "fighting for the future of their children". "They(women) don't want their children to be slaves of the system in the future, they show peacefully, they show peace and allow the riot police, they show that we don't want any kind of war and blood," she said.

Russia puts Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on 'wanted list'

With mounting pressure on the country, the protesters again took to the streets demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko. Watch report.

Protesters take to the streets in Belarus | Demanding Alexander Lukashenko's resignation

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus.

They came to a decision on Friday after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"We had a double strategy," European Council President Charles Michel told a news conference after the first day of a summit that went past midnight.

"We state that we want to give political dialogue a chance. On the other hand we express our firmness on our values and support for Greece and Cyprus. We are ready to engage in a more positive agenda with Turkey provided that Turkey wants to engage in a more positive agenda with us."&nbsp;

EU chief Charles Michel, however, confirmed that Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko was himself not among the figures targetted on a new sanctions list.

"No Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation, we will follow developments," the president of the European Council said after meeting EU leaders.

 
The deal on sanctions against about 40 officials accused of rigging August's presidential election in Belarus means the EU can make good on a promise to support pro-democracy protesters in Minsk and regain some credibility after weeks of delays.

To this end, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU sanctions on Belarus sent an important signal to those who stand in the way of democracy.

"We can say today that the sanctions against the actors in Belarus will come into force," she told reporters at the summit. "The European Union is taking action against those who stand in the way of democracy. I think that is an important signal."

Turning to Turkey and tensions with Cyprus over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, Merkel urged Ankara to continue along the path of de-escalating tensions.

"We hope that out of this we will again have a negotiating dynamic with Turkey, both regarding bilateral issues with Greece and Cyprus and regarding European Union issues with Turkey," she said.

Cyprus, one of the EU's smallest countries, had blocked the action against Belarus for a month, insisting that sanctions also be imposed on its neighbour Turkey for oil and gas exploration along the coast of the Mediterranean island.

Germany pushed back against a tough stand on Turkey, fearing it would disrupt efforts to cool tensions with EU member Greece.

Turkey, both a candidate to join the EU and a member of NATO, has slid towards authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan but remains a strategically located partner that the EU cannot ignore.

In a sign that the diplomatic stand-off is easing at least between Athens and Ankara, NATO announced on Thursday that the two alliance members had set up a "military de-confliction mechanism" to avoid accidental clashes at sea.

The compromise struck at the summit that satisfied Cyprus was an agreement to review Turkey's behaviour in December and impose sanctions then if its "provocations" have not stopped.

(with inputs from agencies)

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus. They came to a decision on Friday after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus. They came to a decision on Friday after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. "We had a double strategy," European Council President Charles Michel told a news conference after the first day of a summit that went past midnight. "We state that we want to give political dialogue a chance. On the other hand we express our firmness on our values and support for Greece and Cyprus. We are ready to engage in a more positive agenda with Turkey provided that Turkey wants to engage in a more positive agenda with us." EU chief Charles Michel, however, confirmed that Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko was himself not among the figures targetted on a new sanctions list. "No Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation, we will follow developments," the president of the European Council said after meeting EU leaders. The deal on sanctions against about 40 officials accused of rigging August's presidential election in Belarus means the EU can make good on a promise to support pro-democracy protesters in Minsk and regain some credibility after weeks of delays. To this end, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU sanctions on Belarus sent an important signal to those who stand in the way of democracy. "We can say today that the sanctions against the actors in Belarus will come into force," she told reporters at the summit. "The European Union is taking action against those who stand in the way of democracy. I think that is an important signal." Turning to Turkey and tensions with Cyprus over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, Merkel urged Ankara to continue along the path of de-escalating tensions. "We hope that out of this we will again have a negotiating dynamic with Turkey, both regarding bilateral issues with Greece and Cyprus and regarding European Union issues with Turkey," she said. Cyprus, one of the EU's smallest countries, had blocked the action against Belarus for a month, insisting that sanctions also be imposed on its neighbour Turkey for oil and gas exploration along the coast of the Mediterranean island. Germany pushed back against a tough stand on Turkey, fearing it would disrupt efforts to cool tensions with EU member Greece. Turkey, both a candidate to join the EU and a member of NATO, has slid towards authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan but remains a strategically located partner that the EU cannot ignore. In a sign that the diplomatic stand-off is easing at least between Athens and Ankara, NATO announced on Thursday that the two alliance members had set up a "military de-confliction mechanism" to avoid accidental clashes at sea. The compromise struck at the summit that satisfied Cyprus was an agreement to review Turkey's behaviour in December and impose sanctions then if its "provocations" have not stopped. (with inputs from agencies)

EU imposes sanctions on Belarus; Lukashenko not on the list

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus.

EU summit opens doors to sanctions in Belarus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that she will hold talks with Belarus's main opposition leader, days after French President Emanuel Macron met with her. Watch report.

Belarus Political Unrest: Angela Merkel to meet opposition leader

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