Day of solidarity with Belarus: EU reiterates its steadfast support
On the occasion of the upcoming day of solidarity with Belarus, celebrated on 25 March, the EU has reiterated its steadfast support for the Belarusian people “in their pursuit for a free, democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus, as part of a peaceful and prosperous Europe”.
The European Union Ambassador to the Council of Europe, Vesna Kos, in her statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its Member States on 11 March, expressed the EU’s deep concern about the continuing human rights violations in Belarus, including arbitrary arrests, torture and ill-treatment, denial of the rights to due process and to a fair trial.
“Over 1,250 political prisoners remain unjustly detained. We urge again the Belarusian authorities to halt their internal repression and immediately and unconditionally release and effectively rehabilitate all political prisoners,” Vesna Kos said. “We also urge the Belarusian authorities to abolish the death penalty, and as a first step, to introduce a moratorium. The EU strongly condemns the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society, including human rights defenders, journalists, independent trade unionists, civil society representatives and persons belonging to national minorities by the Belarusian regime.”
She also said that the Contact Group for Belarus established under auspices of the Council of Europe was “crucial” for providing support to Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.
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