Josep Borrell: EU Gives Support To Brave Women, Men Who Strive For Free, Democratic, Independent Belarus

The head of the European diplomacy has warned the Lukashenka regime.

The European Union condemns the brutal repression and politically motivated trials in Belarus. This is said in a statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in connection with the new political trials in Belarus.

Borrell reminded about the trial against Siarhei Dyleuski, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel Latushka, as well as against three other members of the Coordinating Council, which started on January 17. He believes that this demonstrates the continued use of the judiciary for political purposes.

"They face trumped-up charges of treason, extremism, conspiracy and incitement of hatred, and they face up to 20 years in prison just for trying to exercise their democratic rights. These trials began following similar proceedings against Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski and journalist and board member of the independent Union of Poles in Belarus Andrzej Poczobut last week," reads the statement.

The head of the European diplomacy believes that "political repression of Lukashenka's regime has reached an unprecedented level".

"Arbitrary legislation deprives citizens of fundamental rights, including the new law that allows depriving citizenship of Belarusians living abroad," he reminded.

Borrell stressed that this is a continuation of the violation of the rights and freedoms of the Belarusian people and is contrary to Belarus' international obligations.

"The EU condemns the brutal repression and politically motivated trials aimed at silencing any independent voices and closing the remaining space for democracy. The EU will support all courageous women and men striving for a free, democratic and independent Belarus," reads the statement.