Danish Foreign Minister called for the release of Ales Bialiatski

Willy Sogndal met with representatives of "Viasna" and BHC.

On August 14, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Willy Sogndal met with representatives of Belarusian organizations - Valiantsin Stefanovich of Human Rights Center "Viasna" and Oleg Gulak of "Belarusian Helsinki Committee" - and expressed his full support of their activities for a democratic Belarus. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, reports "Viasna".

In his conversation with human rights activists Willy Sogndal has outlined his position on Belarus.

"Events in Belarus are deeply troubling and confirm my opinion that Lukashenka's regime has lost its legitimacy. I am full of admiration of the Belarusians, like those whom I've met today, those who have courage to fight for human rights and democracy under authoritarian rule. I will urge the Belarusian authorities to release all political prisoners, including the leader of "Viasna" Ales Bialiatski, who is still in prison", - said the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

"The regime in Belarus cracks down on political opposition, civil society, and the independent media. Especially after the presidential elections in December 2010, when peaceful protests were met with mass arrests, and political prisoners still remain in Belarusian prisons", - said Willy Sogndal.

"Denmark, together with the European Union, imposed sanctions on the Belarusian regime in response to violations of human rights. These sanctions are aimed at individuals who have been involved in human rights violations, as well as at companies,  connected with the regime. Denmark also supports an active civil society in Belarus", - said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.