2005 press releases

Statement on Actions Taken against Union of Belarusian Poles (August 2, 2005)

The United States condemns the actions taken by the Belarusian government against the Union of Belarusian Poles. The arrest of the Union's members, the closure of its newspaper, and use of riot police to seize the Union's office are part of a continuing pattern of harassment against those seeking to peacefully express their views.

In the past two months Belarus has closed 80 percent of the local offices of three major parties, jailed activists, and levied massive fines against the few remaining independent newspapers. The United States calls on Belarus' leadership to end these abuses and to respect the rights of the Belarusian people.