Senator McCain demands unconditional release of all belarusian political prisoners

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the demonstrations in Minsk, Belarus:

“The public demonstrations unfolding in Minsk today are a powerful expression of the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. Over the past several weeks, thousands of Belarusians have gathered to preserve their basic human dignity and demand accountability from their government despite facing repression and violence. It is inspiring to see their perseverance.

“President Lukashenko should immediately and unconditionally release the hundreds of citizens who have been unjustly detained and arrested for exercising their fundamental right to free expression and assembly and respect its citizens' civil liberties. The Belarusian people deserve the freedom to chart their nation's future, and it is time the Government of Belarus respond to their legitimate demands.”