Belarus authorities detain top opposition leader's lawyer amid anti-government protests

Amidst ongoing mass anti-government protests in Belarus, a top opposition leer's lawyer Lyudmila Kazak was arrested by authorities on Friday, September 25. As per reports, Kazak went missing on Thursday, with police confirming later that she was detained; she has w been released after paying a fine.

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Last month, Belarus saw start of mass protests after results of presidential elections deemed President Alexander Lukashenko winner with 80% votes. Protesters have claimed that election was rigged and have thus called for Lukashenko’s resignation. Belarus police have been accused of using violent tactics against protesters in dition to mass arrests.

As per reports, Lyudmila Kazak was charged with t obeying police. Kazak in past has defended Maria Kolesnikova, a key member of a council Belarus’ political opposition.

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Kazak's arrest comes after arrest of Yegor Martivich, chief editor of a popular news outlet called Nasha Niva. As per reports, Martivich has been accused of slandering a public official and as a result, faces up to three years in prison. action of Belarus police and or officials against protesters in past weeks have gained international condemnation, with  UN suspecting large scale human rights violations.

European Union has begun debate on possible sanction against Belarus but due to internal conflict has t been able to reach a consensus. UK on September 24 stated that it was preparing to impose targeted sanctions on Belarusian officials involved in human rights abuse as a means to hold President Lukashenko accountable. Anti-Lukashenko protests have been going on in Belarus for almost seven weeks, with nearly 200,00 people frequently taking to streets of Minsk.

(With AP inputs)

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