EU Calls on Official Minsk not to Suppress Peaceful Rally on March 25

On March 23 the EU Presidency made a statement in in advance of the March 25 demonstrations in Minsk: “The Presidency of the European Union is deeply concerned by ongoing intimidation by the authorities of Belarus toward NGO activists, political party leaders and young people in advance of a planned peaceful demonstration in Minsk on March 25.

We urge the Government of Belarus to allow its citizens to exercise their right to assemble peacefully and express their views without harassment or interference. It is also essential that security forces exercise restraint against demonstrators.

The Presidency reiterates the concern for the well being of the prisoners held on politically motivated charges and calls for their immediate release”.