EU Condemns Mass Searches in Offices of Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in Belarus

On Tuesday, 16 February, Belarusian security forces conducted mass searches in the offices of journalists and human rights activists. The European Union condemned such actions of the Belarusian law enforcement officers, spokesperson for the European Commission Peter Stano has said.

In particular, mass searches took place in the office of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, the Viasna Human Rights Centre, which was deprived of registration, and the radio-electronic industry independent trade union.

According to Stano, such actions of the Belarusian authorities violate freedom and the law.

“Belarus: Escalation of intimidation and assault on civil society, media, human rights defenders, trade unions, with home searches, violating freedoms and the rule of law. It’s unacceptable. Only respect for human rights and free and fair elections can guarantee stability and sovereignty,” the politician said.

As a reminder, the European Union has already imposed sanctions against 84 individuals and seven legal entities responsible for the suppression and intimidation of peaceful protesters, members of the opposition and journalists, as well as for the violation of lawfulness of the election process.

Natalia Tolub