World news story

Minister for Europe welcomes Belarusian prisoner release

Minister for Europe, David Lidington has welcomed the release from prison by Belarus of human rights campaigner, Ales Bialiatski.

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

Commenting on the news of Mr Bialiatski’s release, Mr Lidington said:

I am glad to hear that the Belarusian authorities have released Ales Bialiatski, the head of the Viasna Human Rights organisation. After three years in prison, I’m pleased that he has now rejoined his family.

I strongly urge the Belarusian authorities to release all remaining political prisoners and reinstate their full civil and political rights. The UK will continue to press the Belarusian government to improve their human rights record.

All the latest news is available on the Foreign Office page of the gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/fco

Follow the Minister for Europe on twitter: @DLidington

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+

Subscribe to the announcements feed or email alerts to get our latest news and announcements.

Published 24 June 2014