Press release

Minister for Europe concerned about human rights situation in Belarus

David Lidington marks 4th anniversary of the arrest of opposition politicians following 2010 Presidential elections in Belarus.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

19th December is the 4th anniversary of the arrest of many opposition politicians following the 2010 Presidential elections in Belarus.

Speaking today, Minister for Europe, David Lidington said:

Human rights are a fundamental right for all people. Today as we remember the events following the 2010 presidential elections in Belarus I call on the Government of Belarus to release all political prisoners and to rehabilitate them fully into society. The UK will continue to be at the forefront of international efforts to push for human rights and democracy in Belarus.

I urge the Government of Belarus to amend laws denying people freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and to work towards meeting international standards for human rights. With presidential elections due in 2015 we hope that we will not see a repeat of the incidents which happened in 2010.

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Published 18 December 2014