The The UN on Friday denounced possible crimes against humanity by Belarusian authorities against opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko.

human rights violations “They appear to be part of a campaign of violence and repression deliberately directed against those who opposed – or were perceived as such – the government or expressed critical views”says the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, published on Friday.

The High Commissioner believes “that Some of these violations may constitute crimes against humanity.continues the document.

The report, which covers the period from May 1 to December 31, 2022, is based on interviews with 207 victims and witnesses and an analysis of more than 2,500 pieces of evidencein particular photos, videos, medical and judicial records.

It documents “widespread and systematic violations of international human rights standards, including the illegal deprivation of life and numerous cases of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, torture and ill-treatment, as well as sexual and gender-based violence, violations of the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and denying guarantees of due process and equal protection of the law,” said Elizabeth Throssell, spokesman for the High Commissioner, at the regular UN briefing in Geneva.

“Our report paints an unacceptable picture of impunity and near-total destruction of civil space and fundamental freedoms in BelarusVolker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated.