Statement on the situation in Belarus by Luca Jahier and Dilyana Slavova

The EESC strongly defends the democratic right to vote, the right of free speech and the right of expression and has been following closely the developments after the presidential elections in Belarus.
As the voice of EU civil society, we strongly condemn the military and police repression of peaceful protesters. The multiple beating, use of tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades is completely shocking and in fact illegal.

We deeply regret the hundreds of protesters wounded and especially those two who have lost their lives. Democracy is under attack when ordinary citizens are attacked while protesting peacefully to defend human rights.

The EESC urges the Belarusian authorities to stop violence against peaceful protesters and calls for the immediate release of the thousands of citizens taken into custody or arrested on false grounds.

We strongly condemn the unlawful prosecution of representatives of the Belarusian civil society and the international press and urge the authorities to deescalate the situation and start a peaceful dialogue with its own citizens, trying to find a constructive solution.

Daniela Vincenti
EESC President Spokesperson
Phone  +32 2 546 82 62
Mobile +32 470 89 22 66

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