The Belarusian government has “shed the facade of democratic practice” amid to the ongoing crackdown against protesters and independent presidential candidates, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
In a press release, the ministry expressed concern over the wave of political repressions in Belarus, including imprisonment of opposition politicians and possible presidential candidates, as well as repressions on the independent media and bloggers.
“We call on the leaders of Belarus to ensure a competitive electoral environment, secure free and fair elections, to release all those arrested, as well as to protect fundamental freedoms and human rights,” the statement read.
In a tweet, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius also called on Belarus to “uphold democratic principles”.
Deeply concerned about decision by🇧🇾CEC to eliminate main contenders & continuous detentions of peaceful protesters, journalists&activists. We reiterate our call on #Belarus to uphold democratic principles, to release all detainees & ensure free,peaceful & fair elections campaign
— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) July 15, 2020
According to the ministry‘s statement, continued political repressions and violations of human rights in Belarus could impede the country‘s relations with the European Union.
It has also called on Belarus to cooperate with the EU on the questions of nuclear safety and Astravyets nuclear power plant near the border with Lithuania.
“We call on Belarus […] not to start the operation of the [Astravyets] NPP hastily, but to direct the efforts of all Belarusian institutions towards meeting the nuclear safety and environmental requirements,” the press release said.
Belarus' central electoral commission has this week refused to register two major opposition candidates – Viktor Babaryko and Valery Tsepkalo – for the country's presidential election, citing alleged rule violations.
In recent weeks the Belarusian government has also arrested opposition activists, journalists, bloggers, and hundreds of pro-democracy protesters in its move to quash political rivals ahead of the August election, where the long-term authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko will seek re-election.
More than 250 people were detained during demonstrations in support of the candidates in Minsk on Tuesday evening, according to Baltic News Service.
Read more: Is Belarus facing a 'slipper' revolution?
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