17 countries launch an OSCE inquiry in Belarus – Norway is involved
Norway is among the countries that have launched the OSCE, so-called Moscow mechanism, which paves the way for investigations into possible human rights violations in Belarus.
The group of 17 countries in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe activated the mechanism at a meeting in Vienna, Austria. In addition to Norway, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States are among the countries that supported the investigation, writes Reuters.
The OSCE has previously offered to mediate between the government and the opposition in Belarus, which has been rejected by the country’s authorities.
In a statement, the OSCE members stated that the Belarussian authorities had systematically followed those who wanted to enter into dialogue and would rather continue to crack down on the protests.
The last time the so-called Moscow mechanism was activated was in 2018 when possible human rights violations in Chechnya were investigated.
At least 7,000 protesters have been arrested in connection with the large demonstrations in Belarus after the controversial election on 9 August.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
