Belarus: EU Considers Sanctions against those Responsible for Violence

On Monday, EU High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on the current developments in Belarus, calling the Freedom March, which gathered hundreds of thousands of Belarusians on 16 August, “the largest rally in Belarusian modern history”.

“These peaceful demonstrations had clear demands: the release of all unlawfully detained people, the prosecution of those responsible for police brutality, and holding of new presidential elections,” Borrell wrote.

Borrell expressed the European Union’s support to the Belarusian nation.

“The sheer numbers clearly show that the Belarusian population wants change, and wants it now,” adding later that “The EU stands by them.”

Commenting on the reports of inhumane conditions and treatment in places of detention, Borrell underlined that the EU expects a thorough and transparent investigation into all alleged abuses, to hold those responsible to account.

Agreed by the EU foreign ministers at a recent video conference, the EU is currently working on new listings for sanctions against those responsible for violence, repression of peaceful protests, and the falsification of election results in Belarus.

President of the European Council Charles Michel announced that the EU heads of state or government will discuss the situation in Belarus on Wednesday, August 19, according to the EU Neighbors website.

Read Mr. Borrell’s full statement here

By Nini Dakhundaridze

Source: EU Neighbors