Brussels
28 August 2020
As the protests and strikes against Lukashenko’s regime continue and as the situation worsens for Belarus citizens, in particular for peaceful activists, the European Green Party stands with Belarusian people and emphasises that only a peaceful and democratic process, underpinned by independent and free media and a strong civil society, represents a sustainable solution.
New free and fair elections under the supervision of independent observers are the only way forward to ensure the right of Belarusian citizens to choose their democratic leadership is respected. In that regard, we welcome the firm and united EU stance for new elections.
Thomas Waitz, co-chair of the European Green Party and Member of the European Parliament, comments:
“Thousands of peaceful activists are arbitrarily detained solely for voicing their political opinion and demanding free and fair elections. They must be released immediately. Violence against peaceful protesters must stop immediately as well. Crimes against these protesters must be investigated.
We second the call made by the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament for the EU to appoint a special Envoy to Belarus to support the process of a peaceful transition. If the situation deteriorates even further, the EU must be open to receive activists fleeing the country for their safety.”
Anastasiya Dorofeeva, international secretary of Zialonye, the Belarusian Green Party, comments:
“The violence against protestors and the opposition continues. Political prisoners are not being released, while none of the officers responsible are being held accountable. This is why we crucially need increased support for all activists, in particular victims of political repression and police violence. Civil society and independent media are under even more pressure than before and equally need support.
We call on the European Commission to revise and eventually stop the implementation of any cooperation projects that involve the authorities of Belarus involved in the recent falsification of elections and mass repressions, at least until the role of these institutions in recent events becomes clearer.”
END
Valentin Dupouey
Head of the Communication Unit / Press Officer
E valentin.dupouey@europeangreens.eu
T +32 (0) 485 93 99 26
European Green Party
Rue du Taciturne 34, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
www.europeangreens.eu
