The European Union has reiterated its support for independent Belarusian journalists and called for the release of all political prisoners, 18 months after the disputed presidential election that triggered a wave of brutal repression against opponents of strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
Lukashenka, in power since 1994, claimed a landslide reelection victory in the August 9, 2020, presidential poll that was immediately dismissed as rigged by the opposition and its supporters, who took to the streets in protest.
Lukashenka has since ruled over an often violent crackdown against dissent that has prompted several countries to impose sanctions against Belarusian officials, including Lukashenka himself.
Western governments and organizations have refused to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimate leader of Belarus.
Tens of thousands of people have been detained for protesting the election outcome and most Belarusian opposition figures and independent journalists have been either jailed for supporting protesters or left the country.
"Hundreds of journalists have been forced to leave the country in face of persecution," EU spokesman Peter Stano said in a statement on February 9.
"Belarusian authorities have outlawed independent journalism, and citizens are harassed for seeking access to any independent reporting."
Stano said Belarus was holding more than 1,000 political prisoners, including dozens of journalists and media workers.
"One year and a half on, the Lukashenka regime in Belarus continues widespread human rights violations and its brutal repression against all segments of the Belarusian society," Stano said.
"Today, more than 1,040 people are detained as political prisoners in Belarus, including 33 media workers," he said.
"In spite of extreme pressure, courageous Belarusian independent journalists remain at the forefront of the struggle for truth, democracy, and fundamental rights. They continue to provide crucial coverage to their audiences inside and outside Belarus," he said.
"Many detainees have been subjected to abuse and ill-treatment and have been condemned to long prison sentences in political trials conducted behind closed doors," the EU spokesman said, urging the regime to immediately and unconditionally set free all political detainees.
"We stand with the people of Belarus as they seek a safe, sovereign, democratic, and prosperous future," the statement said.