Polish foreign ministry 'concerned' about Minsk unrest

“Preventive detentions and arrests, along with the intimidation of journalists and independent organisations activists, which happened last week and on the day of the protest, including the search of the premises of the 'Wiasna' organisation, as well as making it more difficult for protesters to reach the place of the demonstration in Minsk, are examples of recent violations of fundamental civil liberties and human rights in Belarus,” the statement read.

The ministry called for “an immediate end to violence by law enforcement services and for an immediate release of all the detained from custody”.

“Respect of human rights and of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, the right of association and assembly, and respect for political rights of all social movements in accordance with international standards and commitments are the basis on which the EU wants to build stable relations with Belarus,” the ministry said.

On Saturday Belarusian police detained hundreds of protesters during a rally marking the unofficial “Freedom Day” in Minsk. Dozens of people were beaten by authorities.

Freedom Day is an unofficial holiday in Belarus in commemoration of the creation of the Belarusian People's Republic (BPR) on 25 March 1918.

The Belarusian government does not recognise 25 March as a holiday due to the fact that the BPR was proclaimed under the German occupation. (rg)