The Belarus authorities introduce new restrictions on political parties and media
The Belarusian authorities are cracking down on registered Civil Society organisations and preparing to take tighter control over political parties with additional restrictions ahead of planned changes to the constitution.
Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has decreed that associations and foundations must re-register and those that refuse may be closed.
The president promised to change the constitution last year and is under pressure to push through changes that are expected to strengthen the political parties in the system and dilute the president's powers as a possible solution to the current political crisis. However, Lukashenko has been dragging his heels on proposing a draft and says the process will take some two years to complete.
