Across Belarus, police have raided both the Belarusian Federation of Journalists, human rights centers and members' homes.

Among other things, the chairman of the journalists' union was arrested on Tuesday.

- This is the biggest crackdown on journalists and legal activists Europe has ever seen.

More than 400 journalists have been arrested in the last six months, and the authorities will not stop there, says the vice-president of the journalists' union to the news agency AP.

Protests against electoral fraud

At least a dozen of those arrested are accused of crimes.

A representative of the human rights organization Viasna believes that the authorities are trying to stop reporting on the latest election, according to which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a large majority.

- This is an attempt to scare journalists and human rights activists who have told us about the incredibly great oppression we live under.

The EU criticizes President Lukashenko

Belarus has been shaken by major protests since President Lukashenko declared victory in last year's election and was sworn in secret.

The EU criticizes the country for lack of democracy and has imposed sanctions.

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See the protests against President Alexander Lukashenko that have been going on since the election.

Photo: SVT Archive

Recently, the International Ice Hockey Federation decided to move this year's world championships from the capital Minsk.

Alexander Lukashenko has been in power for 26 years.

Belarusian authorities responded to the protests by arresting more than 30,000 people.