In Europe, people remember the tragedy of Belarusians (photo)

In London and The Hague on 19 February, acts of solidarity with the victims of the political repressions in Belarus took place.

The participants demanded the unconditional release of all political prisoners, respect of human rights and the punishment of those guilty of unleashing terror against their own people.

In London, about 50 people gathered near the Belarusian Embassy, among whom were representatives of Amnesty International, Index on Censorship, Article 19 and the British PEN Centre. The famous actor, Samuel West, spoke emotionally about the situation in Belarus and read out a letter which demonstrators intended to hand to the embassy. However, no-one came out of the embassy. The participants in the act of solidarity chanted, “Long live Belarus!”, “Freedom for Sannikov, Neklayev, Mikhalyevich, Radina, Khalip and Feduta!”, “Free elections!”, “Freedom of assembly!” and “Freedom of Speech!”

The action lasted about an hour. Mr West thanked all the participants, and also the policemen who were guarding the embassy; he noted that their behaviour was very correct by comparison with the conduct of the Belarusian police on 19 December.

In The Hague, in front of the Hague Tribunal, Belarusians living in Germany, Holland and Belgium demanded proceedings in the International Court against the dictator of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. The rally was organized by the fund for the support of democracy in Belarus, of Tadeush Kostyushko.

As the participants in the picket reported to charter97.org, no-one was detained (at the protest).