Belarusian political prisoners are being held as ‘captives’ by Lukashenko

Leader of the opposition in Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has condemned the president of this country Alexander Lukashenko using political prisoners as “detainees”, while the EU plans to increase sanctions on its rule.

Lukashenko has been fighting for the re-establishment of his rule in Belarus since the alleged victory wrong choice Last August started the biggest shows in Belarus’s independence history.

About 35,000 Belarusians have been arrested in the ensuing war, many saying they have been tortured. Lukashenko has also targeted the media, with pressure from the Belarussian general autonomous gates connected to the machine. Last month, he flew a fighter jet to help Ryanair flight is under construction Roman Protasevich, a detective aboard the ship.

Tsikhanouskaya told the Financial Times in an interview that the oppression was “like Stalin’s”, and the worst thing Belarussian people have endured since Lukashenko came to power in 1994, three years after the country declared independence from the USSR.

“We never imagined that the government would be so cruel. Obviously we used to suppress demonstrations in the past, but we have never had so many people [being arrested]. The people are very afraid. They are afraid to go out and live, ”said the abducted leader.

“The government is mobilizing as many people as possible to sell by lifting sanctions.”

EU foreign ministers are due to meet today to meet a number of sanctions imposed on Lukashenko’s administration since last year’s election and the brutal crackdown on dissent.

Ambassador adauza FT On Friday that member states agreed temporarily to establish a sector of the economy, oil, potash and tobacco in Belarus, which is seen as a major source of foreign exchange.

Tsikhanouskaya said it was important that these processes be introduced early. “If the sanctions are carried out slowly, it will be easier for the government to find a way,” he said. “But if they were given one part, it would be difficult to avoid it.”

The latest rounds were sparked by the arrest of Protasevich, who angered Lukashenko during the match. a major role in defining and integrating last year’s protests.

Since his arrest, Protasevich – with bruises on his face and visible sores on his hands – has been featured by the government on several film footage at rallies in praise of Lukashenko.

Tsikhanouskaya criticized Lukashenko for the protests, saying he was “hostile” and afraid of change in Belarus, and said it was clear that Protasevich was speaking under duress.

“The Roman is in danger,” he added. “His job is to survive there. No one can understand – especially people in democratic countries – how people are threatened [in Belarusian prisons]. It is not good even to discuss the content of these meetings or interviews. We need to discuss how to release him, that’s it. ”

Human rights groups say that as a result of Lukashenko’s war, there are now more than 500 prisoners in Belarus. Among them is Tsikhanouskaya Siarhei’s husband, who was arrested last year, thwarting his anti-Lukashenko ideology. Along with several other critics, including blogger Ihar Losik, is due to appear in court later this week.

Mr Tsikhanouskaya said it was unclear what would happen at the summit in light of the Belarus court ruling. However, he reiterated his call for the release of all political prisoners, adding that the EU should not release such sanctions before they can take place.

“In all my meetings I have urged EU leaders: do not allow the government to do business with political prisoners. Everyone should be released, “he said. “Home arrest is not free. Forcing people to leave the country is not a right. ”

Tsikhanouskaya said the only solution to Belarus’s political crisis was a new, free and fair vote.

“Just because everyone is released doesn’t mean our problems are over. Of course not! It is very important to get out of this situation. But that is all, ”he said. “The next step is to discuss government and new elections. . . New election – that’s the only way to survive. ”