Monday, January 31, 2011

The opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko left the prison on Saturday

Two other Belarusian opposition figures are at large and are now under house arrest, including former presidential candidate Vladimir Nekljajew. They were arrested in December in protest against the reelection of President Lukashenko.  The authoritarian leadership in Belarus was released after weeks of pressure from  EU countries, the former presidential candidate Vladimir Nekljajew from prison.


The opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko left the prison on Saturday after six weeks and am now under house arrest, said the Belarussian KGB secret service with in a televised statement read out. Nekljajew was on for a protest rally against President Lukashenko 19th December have been arrested.

He is as well as more than 30 opponents of the regime, accused among them the four other former presidential candidates, "inciting riots". Then stand in Belarus up to 15 years in prison. In early January had already been released Rimaschewski Vitali, who was also taken up in the election.

Also the same day in custody of detained journalist Irina Chalip critical of the government Moscow newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" was again released, but is also under house arrest. Chalip was guarded by Belarusian security forces and did not comment at first. The European Union and the United States had demanded the immediate release of the Lukashenko government critics.

The EU foreign ministers will decide on Monday in Brussels to new sanctions. It is also about the possible closure of accounts. Against Lukashenko and 35 officials already subject to a 31 October 2011-limited, but is presently exposed to the EU travel ban. These restrictions should be extended to other officials.

In the event of sanctions Lukashenko has announced sharp response. Only last Thursday, but he had said that he had no fear of penalties. Despite mass protests, Lukashenko can be explained again in the election in December after 16 years in office as the winner. About 30 Belarusian government opponents are because of this alleged coup attempt in prison.

They face long prison sentences.

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