In Germany, commented on the elections in Belarus
The German government sadly took note of the decision of the CEC of Belarus to refuse registration in the presidential election to Victor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo, urges the Belarusian authorities to release all detainees in the country in connection with the events around the presidential campaign, said the representative of the German foreign Ministry Christopher Burger.
On Tuesday evening in different cities of Belarus held an unauthorized mass protest. Their participants were citizens who do not agree with the decision of the Central election Commission of Belarus to refuse registration of candidates for President, the two politicians – Victor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo. Human rights activists reported mass arrests by police officers, mainly in Minsk – more than 190 people. The Belarusian Association of journalists also said the detentions in various cities of the 14 correspondents of local and foreign media, most of them were released without drawing up administrative protocols.
"The Federal government regrets to note yesterday's decision of the CEC of Belarus on registration of presidential candidates. In spite of numerous appeals, including from the government (Germany), Central candidates, the opposition to the incumbent President, Victor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo was not allowed, despite the fact that both gained more signatures than required for registration," said Burger at a briefing on Wednesday.
He called the CEC decision "a serious blow to the basic principles of democracy, freedom of opinion and the rule of law, and (CEC) seriously limits the ability of Belarusian citizens to decide the choice of the President".
Burger also commented on the protests in Belarus, which took place the day before. "The government is also very concerned to note the detention yesterday of more than 200 people peacefully protesting across the country, which partly was arbitrarily detained, among them more than a dozen journalists." According to him, in may in Belarus in connection with the presidential election arrested about a thousand people.
"We urge the government of Belarus to ensure free and fair elections in accordance with the applicable standards of the OSCE, the right to freedom of expression and freedom of Assembly, and also expect from the government of Belarus that all detainees in this regard will be released," - said the representative of the foreign Ministry.
He also noted that the government is causing "great concern" that Belarus was not invited representatives of the OSCE / ODIHR to observe the elections. "Observation of the elections recognized by the organization as OSCE / ODIHR, makes a significant contribution to strengthening the global trust in government and democratic institutions. We call upon the Belarusian government as soon as possible to send the invitation," concluded Burger.