Russ Feingold: “today I want to express my concerns about the recent presidential election in Belarus. I have previously noted the…”

“today I want to express my concerns about the recent presidential election in Belarus. I have previously noted the tremendous hardships Belarus has endured throughout its history. For centuries, Belarus has been fought over, occupied and carved up. But Belarus' declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 held great promise for a better future. As it broke from communist rule, it had the opportunity to build a free nation and become part of a peaceful, more secure Europe. The country began to embrace economic and political reforms and democratic principles. It established a constitution and held its first Presidential election in 1994. Unfortunately, the prospect of democratic change in Belarus was quickly frozen as its first President, Alexander Lukashenka, adopted increasingly authoritarian policies, including amending the constitution in a flawed referendum to extend his term and broaden his powers. Lukashenka's regime has been marked by a terrible human rights record that is progressively getting worse, with little respect for freedom of expression, assembly or an independent media. A pattern of disturbing disappearances of opposition leaders fails to be seriously investigated by authorities. The living conditions in Belarus are declining and Lukashenka's refusal to institute economic reforms has only aggravated the situation.…”