Belarus: While the EU supports protesting citizens, Lukashenko threatens them

(Patria) – Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has threatened to take new, tougher steps against demonstrators protesting the continuation of his long rule, while accusing the West of creating unrest in the country.

Lukashenko also threatened opposition activists who have formed a council for negotiating a transition and new elections, stating they could face criminal charges, and ordered security forces to restore law and order on the streets of Minsk. 

The new developments followed public support from EU leaders for the citizens of Belarus who seek a peaceful transition to democracy after ten days of protests marked by violence, repression, and arrests.

At an emergency meeting on Wednesday, EU leaders expressed concern regarding the legitimacy of the election results in Belarus and announced pressure on all those connected with the brutal suppression of civil protests.

- The people of Belarus want change, and they want it now, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference after the meeting. 'We are impressed by the courage of the people of Belarus... who have taken to the streets in unprecedented numbers in the 10 days since the election,' said von der Leyen, adding that the people 'want democracy and new elections, because these elections were neither fair nor free.'

The European Commission will allocate 53 million euros to support the people of Belarus, including 2 million euros to assist victims of state violence and one million to support independent media. The remainder will represent support for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Von der Leyen emphasized that it is now 'more important than ever to stand with the people of Belarus and redirect money from the authorities to civil society and vulnerable groups.'

The Commissioner also revealed that the proposal for sanctions against those responsible for the events received unanimous support.

- While we provide support to the people of Belarus, we must be tough on those who rigged the elections, von der Leyen stressed, explaining that the EU considers the elections held on August 9 to have been 'falsified,' and that the alliance is preparing a list of Belarusian officials who could be placed on a 'blacklist' for their roles.

In numerous discussions with European leaders over the past few days, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against 'any attempt at external interference' and condemned the 'pressure' on the current government of allied Belarus.