"There cannot be free and fair elections in a situation where freedoms of speech, assembly and association are curtailed; where opposition political parties are liquidated and their leaders persecuted; where the freedom of the media is not respected; and where there is no redress against these violations and no credible domestic or international election observation is allowed," said the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Rousopoulos, in the wake of the parliamentary and local elections held in Belarus on 25 February 2024.
"This disregard of international commitments and obligations under international law, accelerated repression, and the complete absence of any credible election monitoring has formed the backdrop of these so-called elections. In such circumstances, it can only be concluded that these "elections" are a travesty of democracy and lack any democratic legitimacy," he emphasised.
"The Assembly has repeatedly reaffirmed its dedication to supporting and advocating for the rights, freedoms and safety of all Belarusians. I use this opportunity to call for the immediate and unconditional release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners, and for the cessation of repression.
The Assembly will continue its efforts to support Belarusian democratic forces and to stand by the people of Belarus for a democratic, independent, sovereign, prosperous and peaceful future," Mr Rousopoulos concluded.
