Joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on the fifth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus

The ongoing repression in Belarus is unacceptable and must come to an end.

Today marks five years since the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus. Hundreds of thousands peacefully stood up for democracy but faced brutal repression. Recently released political prisoners have shared horrific stories of torture. While some have been freed, over 1,000 remain imprisoned under cruel conditions.

We call on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release all political prisoners, end the repression, and engage in an inclusive national dialogue. The ongoing crackdown on civil society must stop. Belarus must also end its support for Russia's illegal war against Ukraine.

We stand in full solidarity with the Belarusian people. The EU has mobilised €170 million since 2020 to support Belarusian civil society, independent media, and victims of the repression, and will continue imposing sanctions on those who repress democracy and violate human rights.

The EU will continue to support the Belarusian people on their path to democracy for as long as it takes.

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