The release of Mykalai Statkevich, Mykalai Dziadok, Ihar Alinevich, Jury Rubstov, Euheny Vaskovich and Arytom Prakapenka, is a long -sought step forward. They are now free.
Former presidential candidate Mykalai Statkevich stands out in particular as an example of the tireless work and committment of many for a democratic Belarus.
We now expect the authorities of Belarus to remove all restrictions on the enjoyment of full civil and political rights of the released.
Today's releases represent important progress in the efforts towards the improvement of relations between the EU and Belarus.
Welcome the news of the release of 6 political prisoners, including former Prdt candidate Statkevich, by Lukashenka in #Belarus 1/2
— EP President (@EP_President) August 22, 2015Welcome the release of 6 political prisoners in Belarus. Right step to enhance #EU-#Belarus ties.
— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) August 22, 2015"Encouraged by release of political #prisoners in #Belarus. Important step that will bring relationship with EU forward"
— Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) August 22, 2015Should've happened sooner but welcome release of political prisoners in #Belarus. Now we need free, fair + peaceful Presidential election
Posted by David Lidington on Saturday, 22 August 2015