Statement by Spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on Arrest of Ales Bialiatski in Belarus
Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the
Commission, issued the following statement today:
"The High Representative expresses her concern over reports that the authorities in Belarus detained Mr Ales Bialiatski, a prominent human rights defender who is chairman of the non-governmental organization Viasna and Vice-President of the International Human Rights Federation, and that Mr Bialiatski’s private residence was searched, with the participation of thestate security services.
The High Representative calls on the authorities in Minsk to clarify as a matter of urgency the reasons for the reported detention of Mr Bialiatski. The High
Representative reiterates her strong regret at repeated acts of
intimidation and harassment of peaceful human rights defenders in
Belarus, and at the continued refusal to grant legal status to
independent human rights organisations in the country."
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P R E S S
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu
www.eeas.europa.eu
