BRATISLAVA, July 11, (WEBNOVINY) — The Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the latest wave of arrests in Belarus, which followed quiet protests against the regime. Over 1,800 individuals were arrested since June 15, when the first peaceful demonstration took place. Belarusian authorities not only arrest participants of the protests; they also arrest citizens as a means of prevention. They prevent reporters from doing their work, they use violence and disperse protesters using tear gas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns such intimidation and the regime’s behavior toward its citizens who want to peacefully express their dissatisfaction with the situation in their own country. It considers this behavior to be yet another case of violation of basic human rights and freedoms and restriction of political rights. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly appeals to Belarusian authorities to stop political processes, to release and rehabilitate all political prisoners in the country and to not prevent their fellow-citizens who wish for a change and want to live in a democratic Belarus from expressing their views,” stated the ministry’s press release.
Mikulas Dzurinda’s ministry appreciates civil courage and expresses solidarity with Belarusians who are victims of President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. It will continue its support for development of a civil society in Belarus and help the country’s citizens who are punished only for caring in what country they live. Slovakia considers Belarus a European country, yet according to the ministry’s statement, existing democratic deficits, continuous worsening of the situation with respecting human rights and repressive actions of Belarusian authorities make development of relations between the EU and Belarus impossible.
SITA
