– The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday that she continues to be alarmed by “persistent allegations” of “widespread and systematic torture” of protesters in Belarus. Gender-based violence is of serious concern, with reports that approximately 30 percent of those arbitrarily detained were women and girls, Michelle Bachelet told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms have also continued since the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko in August last year, Ms Bachelet said. She highlighted ongoing police raids against civil society groups and independent media, and the politically motivated arrests and criminal prosecutions of activists and journalists. More than 650 people are believed to be in prison because of their opinions – including the head of the well-known human rights group, Viasna. Ms Bachelet noted that the Belarusian authorities primary aim, was suppressing criticism and dissent of Governmental policies, rather than any protection of human rights law. She added that she regretted that the request for a meeting with the Belarus Ambassador had been rejected, preventing a working visit to the country. The UN rights chief said that as of 10 August, 27 journalists and media workers remain in detention, including the high profile blogger Roman Protasevich, who was arrested in May along with his Russian partner, after his flight from Greece to Lithuania was diverted to Belarus, sparking worldwide condemnation. Responding to statements at the Council, Belarus said its government had restored order in the country and “people were working and leading their normal lives”.