The response of the Belarusian authorities to the events on Belarus’ unofficial Freedom Day was disproportionate, Maja Kocijancic, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Monday.
“Belarus marked Freedom Day on 25 March to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Belarus’s independence. While the authorisation of the celebratory event was appreciated, a requested rally was not allowed and the response of the Belarusian authorities was disproportionate.” the statement reads.
Democratic principles and fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, association and of the media must be fully ensured in any democratic society, Kocijancic stressed.
Steps taken by Belarus to respect universal fundamental freedoms, rule of law, and human rights will remain vital in shaping the bloc’s future relationship with Belarus, the EU top official warned.
The EU expects that all recently arrested citizens who are still being detained are released immediately.
Belsat TV video made in the run-up to Freedom Day (ENG subs)
According to the Belarusian human rights community, police officers detained at least 110 people on March 25.
On March 25, the Minsk police were hunting for human rights defenders and journalists who were about to cover and observe the march and concert in Minsk. Belsat TV journalists Katsyaryna Andreyeva, Syarhei Kavaliou, Lyubou Lunyova, Ihar Ilyash and Stas Ivashkevich were arrested. In the morning, the police hampered the work of Volha Czajczyc and Andrus Kozel. They were detained by the traffic police near their homes and released after their IDs were checked. But they were stopped again at the entrance to Minsk, Kozel was sent to a mental hospital.
- Mass detentions of ‘Belsat’ journalists in Minsk
- Freedom Day: Paddy wagons in downtown Minsk
- From Chicago to Phuket: sports activities in honor of # 100BNR (map and photos)
In late February, Minsk authorities allowed to hold a Freedom Day concert and a rally next to the Opera and Ballet Theatre, but banned the applicants from marching. However, several politicians submitted another application for holding a march on the occasion at Minsk city executive committee, but failed to give any approval.
As reported earlier, the authorities started to preventively detain politicians who were about to hold a march on March 25, Belarus’ unofficial Freedom Day. Uladzimir Nyaklyayeu and Maxim Vinyarski will spend 10 days in prison; Vyachaslau Siuchyk – 5 days. Riot policemen made activist Yauhen Afnahel leave his place after threatening to storm the house. Although politician Mikalai Statkevich had not left his house for several days, the police grabbed him on Sunday morning. On Thursday, activists of the BPF Youth were detained when distributing invitations to the concert authorised by Minsk authorities.
After the concert, the authorities unexpectedly released Statkevich, Afnahel, Siuchyk, Vinyarski and Nyaklyayeu. According to the organisers, about 50,000 people attended the Independence feast.
March 25, 2018 was be the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian People’s Republic (BNR). It came into existence at the end of the First World War, when Bolshevik forces left Minsk and the city was occupied by German troops. On March 25, 1918 the Provisional Government (Rada) proclaimed the independence of the BNR. After the Red Army re-entered Minsk, the Communist government replaced the Rada; its members had to emigrate. For many years, Lukashenka regime has been slamming and even persecuting those who pay the tribute to the BNR.
