Josep Borrell: Belarusian Authorities Flagrantly Violate Laws And International Obligations

The head of the European diplomacy reminded Lukashenka's regime of the sanctions.

The head of the EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, condemned the arrests and detentions of citizens on political grounds in Belarus, interfax.by reports.

"We strongly condemn the continued arbitrary and unexplained arrests and detentions on political grounds in Belarus that have taken place since the beginning of the presidential election campaign," - the statement of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, distributed in Brussels on Monday night, reads.

According to him, "state authorities in Belarus continue to intimidate or permit the intimidation of their citizens in an increasingly lawless manner and in flagrant violation of both their own domestic laws and international obligations".

"The EU will impose sanctions on those responsible for violence, repression and falsification of election results," - Borrell said in a statement.

He referred to the persecution of Maryja Kalesnikava, Andrei Yehorau, Iryna Sukhiy, Anton Radniankou and Ivan Krautsou by the Belarusian authorities. The head of European diplomacy also reminded that 633 people were detained after the peaceful march on Sunday.

"The EU expects that the Belarusian authorities will ensure the immediate release of all those detained for political reasons before and after the falsified August 9 presidential elections," - Borrell stressed.

He demanded "to protect from intimidation, forced exile, arbitrary arrest and violence" the civil society and participants in discussions about the future of Belarus.

"The rule of law and justice must prevail, and all alleged violations must be thoroughly and transparently investigated in order to hold those responsible to account," - the EU High Representative said.