Ireland concerned about ill-treatment of female prisoners in Belarus
Helen McEntee (L) and Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja
October 29, Pozirk. Ireland will continue working with international partners to expose and address human rights abuses in Belarus, the Irish foreign ministry reported, following a meeting between Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee and Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja yesterday in Dublin.
The Irish side highlighted disproportionate reprisals against women and attempts to intimidate and silence Belarusian women in exile, citing reports of gender-specific violations in Belarusian prisons.
The meeting focused on securing releases of jailed Belarusian dissidents, sanctions on Minsk, accountability for those responsible for reprisals and legalization for exiled Belarusians, Cichanoŭskaja’s press office said.
The talks also reportedly covered the implications of developments in Belarus for European security and the need to maintain international attention on the country. McEntee reaffirmed Ireland’s support for the Belarusian pro-democracy forces, noting that a free, democratic and sovereign Belarus would contribute to peace, stability and security in Europe.
McEntee and Cichanoŭskaja agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between Ireland and Belarus, to promote openness, dialogue and mutual understanding. “We remain steadfast in our support for the people of Belarus and their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic and sovereign future,” McEntee said.
Opposition leader outlines Belarus’ European aspirations to Irish PM
October 28, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja met Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin yesterday to discuss Belarus’ European prospects, regional security and jailed dissidents, her press office reports. Belarusians should hear a clear message from European Union …
