Opposition leader Sergei Skrebets, who withdrew from presidential race in January, given 2.5 year prison sentence on corruption charges said by rights activists to be politically motivated. Visit by high-level EU and U.S. officials cancelled after Belarus refused visas. OSCE said 400 observers will monitor March presidential election. As official campaigning of 4 registered candidates started, intimidation of opposition candidates continued: signatures collected by candidate Milinkevich invalidated in Hrodna oblast; 120 opposition supporters arrested in rallies protesting President Lukashenko 16-19 February.

Increasingly restrictive and intimidating climate for opposition presidential candidates in run-up to 19 March election. Candidate Sergei Skrebets, on trial for fraud, withdrew from election claiming would not be free and fair. Opposition leader and candidate Alexandr Milinkevich met with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, who warned Belarus of possible sanctions if election rigged. Government invited international observers to monitor poll; OSCE agreed, said sending team of experts for preliminary inspection of pre-election conditions.

Civil rights further deteriorated as parliament passed changes to criminal code to curb dissent ahead of 2006 elections, making it illegal to discredit standing of Belarus abroad and to train people to take part in street protests. Move criticised by OSCE, EU, U.S. and UN. Parliament voted to hold presidential election in March 2006.

EU warned of “restrictive measures” unless 2006 presidential election free and fair. Growing concerns over media freedom: UN human rights envoy urged government to investigate recent murders of 2 journalists and end systematic harassment of non-state media, while state postal services excluded 3 periodicals from distribution in move interpreted as “cleansing” of opposition media. Belarus parliament gave initial approval to legislation aimed at preventing Ukraine-style revolution.

Opposition journalist found dead 18 October after Narodnaya Volya newspaper had been refused distribution. Opposition voted to support Alexander Milinkevich as single presidential candidate for 2006 elections. 70 members of independent election monitoring group arrested for unauthorised meeting. Security Service accused West of plotting to overthrow President Lukashenko. Russian Envoy to EU Yastrzhembsky asked EU to stop funding radio broadcasts into Belarus.

Bomb explosions in Vitebsk wounded 48: nationalist Belarus Popular Liberation Army claimed responsibility. EU parliament and Council of Europe separately condemned regime’s persecution its opponents, journalists and civil-society activists. Remaining independent newspaper Narodnaya volya to be closed in further crackdown.

Minsk banned foreign assistance to local political parties and organisations, cutting funding of many opposition groups. Despite U.S. and EU statements - backed by Ukraine - condemning Belarus’ actions against its Polish community, crackdown continued: minority leader jailed for arranging meeting with Polish MP; Polish-language newspaper editor jailed 10 days for unlicensed demonstration; 2 journalists arrested. New Union of Poles leader chosen under pressure from President Lukashenko, month after police removed previous administration; Poland refused to recognise leader. Police dispersed opposition rally outside Polish embassy; rival anti-Polish demonstration organised by Lukashenko supporters. European Parliament delegation denied entry to investigate human rights standards. EU agreed 24 August to fund pro-democracy radio broadcasts to Belarus.

Diplomatic tensions escalated with Poland following latest crackdown on Polish minority in Belarus. Government launched campaign to introduce new “Ideology of Belarus” in wake of events in Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan. EU Parliament called for broadened sanctions 7 July, condemning attacks on media freedom.

Authorities sentenced 2 opposition politicians, Mikalay Statkevich and Pavel Sevyarynets, to 2 years in jail for staging unauthorised demonstrations in 2004 against referendum which allowed President Alexander Lukashenko to remain in office indefinitely. Lower chamber of legislature amended law on political parties 29 June, imposing further restrictions.