Benita Ferrero-Waldner Dismayed by New Arrests and Detentions in Belarus

On 24 August the EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner stated: 

‘Following the arrest and detention of several members of the Belarusian democratic opposition in July, which I had strongly condemned, I am dismayed by the new arrests and detentions reported over the last days, including that of Mr. Severinets, who was also among those detained in July.  I call once again on the Belarusian authorities to release all those detained on political grounds without delay, and to respect the inalienable rights of the people of Belarus to assemble peacefully and express themselves freely.