*[Enwl-eng] Belarus

[ENWL]

      Thousands of protestors who took to the streets against “Europe’s Last 
Dictator” in Belarus, were met with brutal police aggression. In less than 
24 hours, EU leaders meet to talk about Europe’s response. Tell the EU to 
stand with the people of Belarus and to call for new elections.

      Sign now!


Hi,

"The last dictator of Europe", Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko, has 
been ruling Belarus with an iron grip for 26 years, suppressing democracy 
and smashing any dissent. But his hold on power may finally come to an end. 
[1]

Two weeks ago, Lukashenko proclaimed another electoral win, despite clear 
signs that the election was rigged. This time it was too much for the people 
of Belarus!

Thousands marched on the streets to challenge the result. These brave 
defenders of democracy were met by riot police, and dozens were beaten and 
injured. More than 6,000 people were arrested. [2]

What matters now is the EU’s response -- the EU can stand up to Lukashenko 
by refusing to recognise him as the President and support free and fair 
elections as soon as possible.

In 24 hours, EU leaders will have a special meeting to come up with a 
response to the situation in Belarus. [3] If there is an outcry from all 
corners of Europe before they meet, we can make sure this meeting is not 
just talk but leads to action.

            Tell EU leaders to call for new elections in Belarus


What happened this summer in Belarus cannot be called elections: main 
opponents were either imprisoned or barred from registration. [4] 
Lukashenko's main opponent in the elections, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was 
forced to leave the country and is now in exile in the EU, in Lithuania. [5]

The EU has already signalled that it will issue sanctions against President 
Lukashenko and the ruling elite, but this is not enough. [6]

The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely 
elect their leader. And violent repression of peaceful protesters has no 
place in Europe. Show support for the protesters and let’s make sure the EU 
calls for new elections as soon as possible.

            Tell EU leaders not to recognise Lukashenko as President of 
Belarus!


In solidarity with peaceful protesters,

David (London), Marta (Warsaw), Giulio (Rome), and the entire WeMove Europe 
team



References:
[1] 
https://ipi.media/four-journalists-jailed-as-belarus-cracks-down-on-opposition-reporting/
[2] 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/12/belarus-protesters-and-police-clash-for-third-night-as-eu-threatens-sanctions
[3] https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1295293072918614018
[4]https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/opinion/what-is-happening-in-belarus-cannot-be-called-elections/
[5] 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/10/belarus-opposition-candidate-rejects-election-result-protests-svetlana-tikhanovskaya-lukashenko
[6] https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-eu-sanctions/a-54564440



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From: David - WeMove Europe
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2020 5:23 PM
Subject: Belarus


 
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