Belarus opposition leader banned from leaving country

(MINSK) - A leading figure from the Belarus opposition said Wednesday he had been banned from leaving the country.

Anatoly Lebedeko, head of the United Civil Party, told AFP he was trying to cross the border with Lithuania when Belarusian guards refused to let him leave.

He said the border guards told him his passport number flashed up on their computer screens as being banned from leaving.

"It's a political decision," Lebedko said.

On March 1, Belarus prosecutors said figures who had damaged the nation's economic or political image would not be allowed to leave.

Belarus is subject to Western sanctions after arrests and repression increased following Alexander Lukashenko's contested re-election as president in December.

European leaders have demanded Lukashenko free and rehabilitate several political opponents detained in a crackdown.

Belarus is the only European country that does not belong to the Council of Europe, which promotes democracy and human rights.