The European Union called, on Monday evening, 7 September, for an end to political persecution, the release of all those arrested on political grounds in recent weeks in Belarus and for the launch of a national dialogue.
“The EU expects the Belarusian authorities to ensure the immediate release of all detained on political grounds before and after the falsified 9 August presidential elections”, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, warned in a statement.
The authorities must stop political persecution and engage in an inclusive national dialogue, in full respect of the Belarusian people’s democratic and fundamental rights, he added.
Mr Borrell strongly condemned the “unabating arbitrary” and “unexplained” arrests and detentions on political grounds that have been taking place since the beginning of the election campaign. “It is clear that the State authorities in Belarus continue to intimidate or allow intimidation of its citizens in an increasingly lawless way and crudely violate both their own domestic laws and international obligations”, he said, recalling that on Sunday 6 September alone, more than 633 people had been detained following a peaceful march.
The High Representative called for the protection of civil society and actors engaged in discussions on the future of Belarus, including members of the Coordination Council, from intimidation, forced exile, arbitrary arrest and violence. “The Rule of law and justice must prevail and a thorough and transparent investigation into all alleged abuses must take place, in order to hold those responsible to account”, he said.
The EU is currently preparing sanctions against those responsible for falsification of election results and repression. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)