2005 press releases

U.S. Embassy Statement on the Arrest of Belarusian Protesters (March 30, 2005)

The U.S. condemns the Belarusian authorities' use of force and heavy police tactics on March 25, and we are concerned by reports of injuries inflicted on Belarusian citizens.  This is a violation of the fundamental right of Belarusian citizens to express themselves freely and to demonstrate peaceably as provided for under the Belarusian Constitution and in accordance with Belarus' Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe commitments.

The U.S. calls on Belarusian authorities to use dialogue, not violence and repression, and to respect the rights of its citizens.