EUHR Solana concerned over attacks against Belarus opposition leaders

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following statement today concerning news of violent police attacks against several opposition leaders and media representatives, on the occasion of a peaceful political demonstration in Minsk, Belarus on 19 October:

"I am very concerned by the latest reports of violent attacks carried out two days ago by Belarusian police forces, following a peaceful political demonstration in Minsk contesting the results of the recent parliamentary elections and referendum in Belarus.

I have received reports that several persons, including leading figures of the Belarusian opposition and foreign journalists, were arrested and beaten, which I take very seriously. This type of action by the Belarusian authorities is totally unacceptable and goes against the constitution of Belarus, which guarantees freedom of speech, and against internationally agreed democratic standards. A thorough investigation of these attacks is needed and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. I call upon the authorities of Belarus to immediately release those peaceful demonstrators and opposition leaders."

| Top |

• EU Presidency declaration on Belarus parliamentary elections and referendum  (20/10/2004)
• EUHR Solana seriously concerned with Belarus elections and referendum  (18/10/2004)
• EU Presidency declaration on Belarus (27/9/2004)