EU, '1000 political prisoners in Belarus, a shame'

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 27 - "The number of political prisoners in Belarus has now reached 1000 and continues to grow. This shameful milestone reflects the continued pressure of the Lukashenko regime against its own population. In addition, many thousands of demonstrators fled the country for avoid persecution ".

The European Commission underlines this in a note.

    "In today's Belarus, the space for democratic political opposition and free and independent media activities has been drastically closed. The Lukashenko regime continues to detain and imprison people in appalling conditions, expose them to ill-treatment and torture and have them sentenced to long prison terms in political trials conducted behind closed doors. Legally defending political prisoners has become dangerous, with more than 40 lawyers having their licenses revoked. Belarus must respect its international commitments and obligations within the UN and the OSCE. The EU reiterates its request. immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and will continue to work for justice for the victims and responsibility for those responsible ". (HANDLE).