Swedish Human Rights Activist: The Most Severe Sanctions on Lukashenka Required

Any financial assistance of the regime in Belarus should be stopped.

The head of the Swedish human rights organization Östgruppen Martin Uggla said that in an interview with Charter97.org.

- How could you describe the reaction of the Belarusian authorities to peaceful demonstrations on March 25 and 26?

- I am disappointed with steps taken by the Belarusian authorities on March 25 and 26. But it can't be said that it was unexpected.

We have recalled European politicians all the time: at any time Lukashenka may turn to severe repressions. And we now, unfortunately, observe it.

- What should be the reaction of the European Union to these events?

- It should be fast and as strict as possible.

So far, only statements of some heads of diplomacy and Parliament members were voiced. This is not enough. More concrete and decisive actions must be taken.

Specific steps are needed to change the situation in Belarus and affect the Lukashenka's regime. It should have been done long time ago. But I hope that at least now the European leaders will understand that free Belarus without Lukashenka should be of high priority.

- Yesterday the Parliament of Sweden had the issue on resumption of sanctions on Belarus discussed...

- I think the sanctions introduced after the "elections" in 2010 should be returned as soon as possible and they should be even tightened. It is necessary to think over steps democratic states could take to strongly affect the regime in Belarus.

I'd like to stress that sanctions are not the only thing that can make a difference; however, this is an essential part of the policy line towards Lukashenka. First, they have a moral aspect - it is clear who is who in the issue of the observance of human rights. Second, the practice has proved that sanctions have a direct impact on the Lukashenka's regime. I am convinced that the release of political prisoners in 2015 was caused by introduced sanctions and possible new ones.

Sanctions on Lukashenka should be introduced as soon as possible. In addition, some new steps should be taken: European countries must cease any cooperation with the regime. We have recently observed the "thaw" in relations between the Belarusian authorities and some countries. They gave no positive results. Lukashenka is only interested in money of Europe, but does not want to take any reforms, to develop the country and to let any democracy to Belarus.

As soon as the democracy appears in Belarus, he will have to resign.

Any financial assistance to the regime in Belarus should be stopped. It would be the best first response to new repressions: cessation of any possible cooperation programmes with the Belarusian power.

In addition, European countries must make it clear that they do not want to be in a relationship with the Lukashenka's regime because it is criminal and illegitimate.

- After repressions of 2010 the EU provided a significant assistance to the civil society and independent media of Belarus. What actions should be taken now?

- The assistance to democratic powers in your country should be of high priority. It must be both political and financial assistance.

Belarusian independent media should be given assistance as well. Their activity is extremely important now. We can observe that almost the most serious struggle is now unfolding in the information sphere.

It may be no accident that during last protests the Belarusian authorities brutally treated independent journalists. This is unacceptable.

Independent journalists should receive support from the European Union. The situation with further funding of Belsat TV channel is not acceptable anymore. Independent media play a really significant role in the struggle for a free and democratic Belarus.