EU leaders says bloc stands with Belarus protesters

European Union leaders on Wednesday said they stand with the Belarusian people protesting for their democratic rights, underlining that the EU rejects the election results that swept President Alexander Lukashenko back into power with an apparent 80% of the vote.

European Council President Charles Michel said the EU will impose sanctions on "a substantial number" of people linked to election fraud and violence.

He declined to name any of those who might be listed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will “mobilise now an additional 53 million euros (USD 63 million) to support the Belarusian people in these challenging times.” Two million euros will help victims of the crackdown, while 1 million euros will support civil society and independent media. Most of it is coronavirus emergency assistance.

Belarus security forces detained almost 7,000 people and injured hundreds with rubber bullets, stun grenades and clubs in the first four days of demonstrations. At least two protesters died.

Workers at state-controlled companies have joined strikes this week, as the unprecedented mass protests enter their 11th day and erode the authority of the man once dubbed "Europe's last dictator."