Netherlands Ministry of foreign Affairs condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Belarus. In turn, the foreign Minister, European Affairs and defence Belgium Philippe Goffin demanded the release of “unjustly arrested” in Belarus citizens. This writes GLANCE.
EU ambassadors gathered in an emergency Minsk
As reported by “the Rambler”, a mass protest began in Belarus from 9 August after the end of voting in the election of the President and was accompanied by clashes of protesters with security officers. According to the CEC, the elections were won by incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko. However, his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovski did not recognize the election results.
“the Netherlands together with other EU member States condemn violence against peaceful protesters in Belarus after the elections and urge the political leadership of the Republic to enter into a genuine dialogue with civil society”, – stated in the message the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
In turn, the foreign Minister, European Affairs and defence Belgium Philippe Goffin recalled in Twitter that “freedom of expression and a free press are fundamental rights throughout Europe”.
Je déplore la violente répression des manifestations pacifiques qui ont suivi les élections en Biélorussie. La liberté d'expression & de la presse sont des droits fondamentaux pr toute l'Europe.
J authorities encourage les à libérer immédiatement les citoyens injustement arrêtés.— Philippe Goffin (@PhGoffin) August 11, 2020
“I condemn the brutal suppression of peaceful protests that followed the elections in Belarus. And urge the authorities of Belarus to immediately release unjustly arrested citizens,” he said.
