The German government has admitted it provided training and equipment worth over €50,000 to the Belarusian security forces.
The interior ministry said it supplied surveillance equipment including digital cameras and computers and three Volkswagen police vans between 2008 and 2010, but could not confirm reports that batons and other riot combat equipment were also delivered during the period.
Germany said last week that it provided training to senior militia officers and border guards, trusting Belarus to be committed to a “process of democracy”.
Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich is now under pressure from opposition politicians to explain why training and equipment was provided.
"It would have been better if the civilian population had been given support," said Cem Ozdemir, the Green party leader.
Belarus has been ruled with an iron fist by President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been accused of persecuting opposition politicians, independent journalists and human rights activists.
Lukashenko was re-elected in 2010, in what was widely believed to be a rigged vote, prompting widespread protests.
The regime suppressed the protests, arresting over 600 demonstrators.
