On 17 August, EU High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on the current developments in Belarus.
Mr Borrell called 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 underlined.
“The sheer numbers clearly show that the Belarusian population wants change, and wants it now,” added the EU High Representative. “The EU stands by them.”
Mr Borrell also commented on the reports of inhumane conditions and treatment in places of detention, adding that the EU expects a thorough and transparent investigation into all alleged abuses, to hold those responsible to account.
As 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 19 August.
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