Belarus expelled two British diplomats overseeing protests

The international conflict was triggered by the events of November 9, when Belarus declared two British diplomats persona non grata - military attaché Timothy White Boycott and deputy ambassador Lisa Tamwood.

The Belarusian authorities accused the representatives of the British diplomatic mission of "destructive activity" and collecting information about the course of the protests in the country.

“It is alleged that Ms. Tamwood coordinated the work of journalists from the Brussels BBC bureau who came to the republic to cover the protests and the work of the campaign headquarters of the ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya”, - Kommersant notes.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said he disagreed with this decision, calling it unfounded.

“The expulsion from Belarus of two British diplomats who legally observed the protests is absolutely unfounded. Lukashenko cannot hide the fact that he oppresses his own citizens”, - the publication quotes Raab's statement.

According to the British authorities, the political crisis in Belarus can be resolved only by free elections and an honest trial over officials and security officials guilty of violence against citizens.

The political crisis in Belarus has been going on since August this year. It was caused by the results of the presidential elections, in which, despite the obvious numerous falsifications, the CEC awarded the long-term president of the country, Alexander Lukashenko. EU representatives refused to recognize the voting results as legitimate. The European Union, Canada and the UK have introduced personal sanctions against Belarusian officials guilty of human rights violations in the country.