Russia denounces UNHRC resolution on Belarus as 'void'

Russia has denounced the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution on Belarus as “legally void,” saying that it was pushed by the West to force President Alexander Lukashenko to start a dialogue with the opposition.

On Friday, the 47-member state forum in Geneva endorsed the resolution — submitted by the European Union (EU) — on Belarus, which has been the scene of protest rallies by supporters of opposition, who refuse to accept the official results of last month’s presidential election.

The resolution called on Lukashenko to enter into dialog with the opposition forces and gave the office of UN rights boss Michelle Bachelet a mandate to closely monitor the situation in the East European nation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry denounced the resolution in a statement on Monday.

“We assume that the UNHRC resolution was jammed through by the West in violation of principles and norms of the international law and that it is legally void,” it said.

Belarus has denounced the debate as interference in its internal affairs. It is not currently a member of the council and could not block the resolution.

EU says does not recognize Lukashenko as president of Belarus

The European Union (EU)’s diplomatic chief says the bloc does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus, ratcheting up tensions with the post-Soviet state.

It has also denounced the EU for meddling it the country’s election after the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs refused to recognize Lukashenko as Belarus’ president and a resolution by the European Parliament called for unconstitutional change of power in that country.

After it was announced that Lukashenko had won a sixth term as president, opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya alleged voting fraud and claimed that she had won the election.

Russia slams EU for inviting Belarus opposition figure to ministerial meeting

Russia and Belarusian foreign ministries criticize the European Union for making overtures to the Belarusian opposition leader.

She later fled to Lithuania and from there has been directing the protests in Belarus.

Several Western states have thrown their weight behind the opposition protests, threatening Lukashenko with sanctions.

The president has accused the opposition of attempting to stage a coup in the country.

EU urged to offer trade, visa-free travel to Belarus

In a related development, the presidents of Lithuania, Poland and Romania are planning to ask the bloc to offer a support package for Belarus if the country holds a democratic election.

At a summit later this week, they will propose a package that would include visa-free travel and support in negotiations to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to a statement from the three presidents to the EU leaders seen by Reuters.

“If Belarus citizens decide to undergo political and economic reforms in the country, to establish independent institutions to defend human rights and freedom of speech - we will help with our knowledge and experience,” said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

Hackers leak police officers’ data as protesters arrested

In the meantime, anonymous hackers have leaked the personal data of more than 2000 Belarusian police officers in an effort to increase pressure on Lukashenko’s government.

In Minsk scuffle, Belarus police arrest hundreds of protesters

Many protesters were arrested while trying to get detainees out of police vans.

“If detentions continue, we will continue to publish data on a massive scale,” said a statement distributed by opposition news channel Nexta Live on Saturday

“No one will remain anonymous even under a balaclava,” it said.

The government said it would find and publish those responsible for leaking the data.

On Saturday, police arrested hundreds of protesters as opposition supporters staged fresh rallies in the capital Minsk.

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