On January 29, 2011, Belarus released seven people, including a presidential candidate, who were detained in December 2010 following protests over the country's presidential election. The releases were made amid speculation that the European Union (EU) would impose another travel ban on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Despite the release, Belarus' Minsk City Court handed down sentences to presidential candidates Andrey Sannikau, Uladzimer Nyaklyaeu and Vital Rymasheuski for inciting riots in May 2011. Lukashenko also faced accusations of violating the country's laws and constitution following his election in 2006.

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Learn more about Belarus and Alexander Lukashenko from the JURIST news archive.

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