The EU boycotted the inauguration of Belarus's incumbent leader Alexander Lukashenko as he was sworn in for his 4th term. The president arrived at the ceremony in the capital Minsk hand-in-hand with his son. All 27 member states refused to send representatives in response to claims that the December election was rigged. The results sparked violent reaction which saw opposition leaders, activists and journalists attacked by police. In response the EU has proposed sanctions including a ban on visas and a freeze on bank accounts belonging to senior government officials.