European Liberal Youth: It's a shame to play with the dictator

• 23.07.2012, 12:33

European young liberals call to the International Ice Hockey Federation to remove World Championship from Minsk.

We urge the International Ice Hockey Federation to change the location of the 2014 World Championships on the grounds that Belarus with its total disregard for human rights it not fit to host such an event, said in the statement.

«Lukashenka has created Europe’s last dictatorship through brutal and oppressive means and cannot be seen to be rewarded with these games.

To have a dictatorship still exist in the 21st century on our doorstep is shameful and we fear these games will release the international pressure on Lukashenka to release all political prisoners and give the people of Belarus their fundamental human rights back.

His treatment of those who oppose him, many of which are young campaigners such as ourselves, is disgraceful. We call upon all to show solidarity to these campaigners and move the games from Belarus.

It is time to punish Europe’s last dictator, not reward him», - said in statement of young liberals.