The United Transitional Cabinet welcomed the release of journalist and representative of the Polish minority in Belarus Andrzej Poczobut, according to a statement published on April 30.
The authors expressed gratitude to all those who worked towards Poczobut’s release, including the United States, Polish authorities and public figures, European institutions, Belarusian democratic forces and activists.
“The release of Andrzej Poczobut does not change the nature of the regime that imprisoned him. It became possible against the backdrop of sustained international pressure exerted by the European Union and the United States on the illegitimate authorities in Belarus over ongoing large-scale repression against Belarusian society. We consider it a top priority to continue efforts aimed at securing the release of all political prisoners in Belarus, whose number exceeds 900”, they said.
The statement’s authors called on partners in democratic countries not to forget about the ongoing large-scale political repression in Belarus, which has affected hundreds of thousands of people.
“Lukashenka is suspected of committing crimes against humanity against the Belarusian people, in connection with which a corresponding official investigation has been launched by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. At the same time, Lukashenka is suspected of the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian orphaned children from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus, as well as of committing an act of aggression against Ukraine. Hybrid aggression against neighbouring countries of Belarus, members of the European Union, also continues”, the statement said.
The Cabinet called on the European Union to continue pressure on Lukashenka’s regime and not to engage in communication with it without the participation of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.
“We support the conclusions of the European Union of February 19, 2024, calling on the de facto authorities of Belarus to begin a genuine and inclusive dialogue with all parts of Belarusian society. The future of Belarus cannot be decided without Belarusians”, the statement said.
