MEPs disappointed: repressions in Belarus go on

• 10.04.2009, 8:42

The European Parliament calls on the Belarusian government to stop persecution of political parties.

Jacek Protasiewicz, head of the EP Delegation for relations with Belarus, called on the Belarusian government to immediately stop any forms of persecution of political parties and NGOs and respect freedom of association in Belarus, BelaPAN reports.

In his statement of April 9, the MEP condemned actions of the Belarusian authorities in relation to the “For Freedom” movement and on facts of pressure over the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party.

The European Union and Belarus are moving in the direction of developing better relations and we are keeping a close eye on the situation in Belarus in the context of obligations, taken by the Belarusian authorities in the spheres of human rights, freedom of association and rule of law. The MEP is seriously concerned over the fact that the Belarusian authorities hinder activity of political parties and NGOs in the country, statement by Jacek Protasiewicz says.

On April 7, court officers seized property in the office of the “For Freedom” movement: computers, office equipment, tables, chairs, and a kitchen unit, which belongs to the apartment owner.

The MEP expressed his regret over such actions that contradict the EU principles and go against public promises of the Belarusian authorities.