SPÖ MP Bayr condemns sham election in Belarus

Yesterday’s elections in Belarus, which many once again described as a sham election, once again illustrate the extensive repression by the Lukashenko regime. SPÖ MP Petra Bayr criticizes the lack of legitimacy of the election results. “No real opposition was allowed in this election, exiled Belarusians are threatened with political persecution if they return. Only through a general amnesty and fair elections can fundamental democratic change be achieved. Lukashenko must clear the way for this,” explains Bayr. ****

In particular, the ban on free trade unions, their political persecution and the ongoing imprisonment of the President of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKPD) Aliaksandr Yarashuk are clear signs of the lack of freedom of Belarusians: “For three years, many trade unionists, including Aliaksandr Yarashuk political prisoners of the regime. Organizing workers is now almost impossible in Belarus. A free society only exists with free unions. Freedom for Yarashuk and all political prisoners of the Lukashenko regime!” (end) sd/ff