Forch, 15 July 2021

On 14 July 2021, mass arrests of various human rights organisations and activists of public organisations, searches and pogroms in their offices and private residences took place throughout Belarus. Leaders and board of directors of the Viasna Human Rights Centre, Belarusian Union of Journalists, Belarusian Popular Front, Belarusian Free Trade Union and many other organisations defending basic civil liberties by peaceful means were arrested in politically motivated criminal cases. The arrests and harassment continued today, 15 July.

We note with regret that the authorities of the Republic of Belarus have continued on the course of building a totalitarian, violent and repressive regime that poses a threat to stability and security in Europe.

We call on the Swiss authorities, European countries and the international community to respond effectively to the actions of the Belarusian authorities and, furthermore, to take all possible measures to help those who are subject to repression in the country and to facilitate their relocation to countries where they are not at risk. It is time to show real solidarity with those who oppose the dictatorship.

Association RAZAM.CH