Verklaring EP-voorzitter Buzek over neerslaan protesten in Wit-Rusland (en)

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek i calls on Belarusian authorities to immediately release the protesters arrested yesterday evening in Minsk, who remain in detention or face trial. This was the weekly "silent" protest, organised through social networks and taking place in many cities across the country. Among the hundreds detained, there were also independent journalists.

President Buzek said: "I condemn the violent response of the Belarusian authorities to the peaceful demonstrations which took place yesterday evening in Minsk. I call on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release the protesters arrested yesterday evening who still remain in detention or face trial. True leaders listen to the voice of their people; dictators jail them for their rightful demands.

Change will eventually come to Belarus as it has come to the shores of Northern Africa. Repressive measures will only make this change more inevitable.

The European Parliament always stands on the side of the Belarusian people. They have a well-deserved European future and we will always support them.

I welcome the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of Ministers this Monday, which for the first time introduced targeted sanctions against state enterprises linked to the Belarusian regime, as repeatedly requested by the European Parliament."

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