US Senator John McCain demands immediate release of Ales Bialiatski
An influential U.S.
senator, former presidential candidate John McCain, the Republican demanded the
release of human rights activist Ales Bialiatski and other prisoners of
conscience. He also called for increased
pressure on the regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka.
"The last trick of
Lukashenka's regime - human rights activist Ales Bialiatski’s arrest, is yet
another reason why this regime deserves the status of an international
pariah," – said John McCain. He called harassment by the
Belarusian authorities of supporters of democracy in this country unacceptable.
U.S. Senator pointed out that
such harassment takes place in Belarus
constantly.
John McCain emphasized that the U.S. and Europe
"must remain united in support of the Belarusian civil society and
political opposition, increasing pressure on Lukashenka's regime, including
through the denial of international aid."