Germany refuses to recognise Lukashenko as Belarus president after secret inauguration

Germany does t recognise Alexander Lukashenko as Belarusian President even after his unanunced inauguration on September 23, a federal government reportedly said. Lukashenko assumed his sixth term in office in an inauguration ceremony amid continued protests against regime over disputed election results. 

Lukashenko swore to “serve people of Republic of Belarus, respect and protect rights and freedoms of people and citizens.” Germany’s vice-chancellor Olaf Scholz had earlier described Lukashenko as a dictator after thousands of people gared at centre of capital Minsk protesting against authoritarian leader.

Belarus protests entered its seventh week despite multiple reports of arrest and crackdowns on anti-government demonstrations. opposition has deunced inauguration as illegitimate and called for more protests against Lukashenko. Opposition leaders raised doubts over accuracy of poll results after authorities declared a massive win for Lukashenko.

Read: UN Steps Up Monitoring Of Alleged Human Rights Violations In Belarus, Says 'should Stop'

Read: President Of Belarus Inaugurated Despite Disputed Election

Call for independent probe

In August, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that Britain does t accept results of Belarusian presidential elections which declared incumbent Lukashenko as winner. Amid efforts of Belarusian authorities to suppress massive protests against Lukashenko, Raab highlighted need for an urgent independent probe into “flaws that rendered election unfair, as well as grisly repression that followed.”

“ world has watched with horror at violence used by Belarusian authorities to suppress peaceful protests that followed this fraudulent Presidential election. UK does t accept results,” said Raab in a statement. 

Lukashenko has dismissed concerns of protesters, calling m “sheep" controlled from abroad. He claimed that protesters received calls from Poland, Britain and Czech Republic and were acting on ir direction. He also boasted about support from Moscow and said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will help him with security if needed. 

Read: Belarus: Alexander Lukashenko Sworn In For Sixth Term In A Secret Ceremony

Read: US Official To Meet With Belarusian Civil Society, Opposition Representatives In Lithuania