On 10 August, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi issued a joint statement on the presidential elections that took place in Belarus the previous day.
“The European Union had repeatedly expressed its expectations on the proper conduct of these elections,” the joint statement said, adding that the election night was marred with disproportionate state violence against peaceful protesters.
“This reportedly resulted in the loss of life of one citizen and many others have been injured,” added the statement. “We condemn the violence and call for the immediate release of all detained during last night. The Belarusian authorities must ensure that the fundamental right of peaceful assembly is respected.”
Mr Borrell and Mr Várhelyi also stressed that “the Belarusian people now expect their votes to be counted accurately”.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also commented on the developments in Belarus, saying on Twitter that harassment and violent repression of peaceful protesters have no place in Europe.
“I call on the Belarusian authorities to ensure that the votes in yesterday’s election are counted and published accurately,” she underlined.
Photo credit. EPA