Statement On Lukashenka's Crimes Filed With Federal Public Prosecutor's Office Of Germany

The German lawyers are acting on behalf of ten Belarusians.

According to the German news agency dpa, four German lawyers have appealed to the Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe in connection with the use of violence against civilians in Belarus amid peaceful protests that began after the presidential elections in August 2020. They have reported to the prosecutor's office on behalf of Belarusian victims of torture about the crimes against humanity committed by Belarusian ruler Aliaksandr Lukashenka, the agency wrote on Wednesday, May 5.

The lawyers stress that neither Lukashenka, nor the staff of his law enforcement agencies will face legal consequences for the excessive use of force and torture of detainees in Belarus. In this regard, they urge Germany to conduct an independent investigation of such crimes. The lawyers refer to the so-called universal jurisdiction, implying the possibility of prosecution for crimes prohibited by international law and committed in other states.

The lawyers represent the interests of ten Belarusians

"Our clients expect that Germany will declare itself a supporter of universal human rights in the case of Belarus," - the lawyers, representing the interests of ten residents of Belarus, said in an interview with dpa.

According to the lawyers, their clients have complained about physical torture, torture by deprivation of food and sleep, insults and humiliations, as a result of which all of them suffered serious health problems. In particular, they reported that they were forced to stand on their knees with their hands tied for many hours. "In general, the actions of the authorities can only be called brutal," - the lawyers said.

Protests in Belarus after the presidential election

Peaceful protests against the falsified results of the August 9 presidential election have been going on in Belarus for almost nine months. Demonstrators accuse authorities of falsification and demand new, fair elections, release of political prisoners, and an end to arbitrary treatment of protesters by security forces.