PACE Chairperson Meets with Human Rights Defenders

“We had a conversation in a friendly atmosphere. One can say that we, representatives of the civic society in Belarus and the European political elite have a common language. We have common values, common understanding of human rights and democracy”, -- Ales Bialiatski expressed his impression about the meeting.

The meeting that took place today in the morning was attended by Ales Bialiatski, Iryna Kazulina, Siarhei Skrabets, Harry Pahaniaila, Aleh Manayeu, Yaraslau Ramanchuk and Zhanna Litvitna. The conversation lasted for over an hour. The human rights defenders and representatives of the civic society in Belarus spoke about their vision of the political situation, the problems of society development, ways to protect human rights and independent mass media. During the meeting they also raised issues of legitimacy and transparency of Belarusian election. In particular, Mr. Van der Linden pointed out the necessity to amend the election legislation of Belarus and to bring it to conformity with the international norms. Closer cooperation with Venetian Commission is needed in that issue.