EU backs Belarusian pro-democracy activists ahead of solidarity day
May 20, Pozirk. The European Union will continue to back all courageous supporters of an independent and democratic Belarus, the bloc’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said in a statement ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the country’s political prisoners, May 21.
“Since the death of political prisoner and activist Vitold Ašurak in prison in May 2021, at least five more political prisoners have died in regime’s places of captivity: Mikałaj Klimovič, Aleś Puškin, Vadzim Chraśko, Ihar Lednik, and Alaksandar Kulinič,” he said.
“They were unjustly persecuted for their political opinions and beliefs, and failed to receive adequate medical attention and care,” he added.
Borrell went on to say that there are about 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus.
“Hundreds have serious health issues, disabilities, are over the age of 60, and have mental disorders,” he said. “They are illegally detained, subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including deprivation of necessary medical assistance.”
Belarus high on EU agenda – Borrell
March 18, Pozirk. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has said that the human rights situation in Belarus is constantly deteriorating. Speaking at a press conference after EU foreign ministers met in Brussels, Borrell said the Belarusian issue …
“The regime is increasingly targeting also those who have fled the country. The European Union condemns the most recent wave of raids and property seizures of political activists who continue their pro-freedom activities in exile. 104 persons have been added to the suspect list of the ongoing mass criminal investigation against Belarusians abroad,” the statement reads.
“On this day of solidarity, the EU demands the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, and calls on the authorities to comply with Belarus’ international human rights obligations, notably ensuring access to adequate health services without discrimination on the grounds of their situation,” it stresses.
Human rights defenders launched the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus after Belarusian political prisoner Vitold Ašurak died in Škłoŭ’s Penal Colony No. 17 on May 21 three years ago.
