Statement by Canadian Minister Bernier on the Situation in Belarus

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the situation in Belarus:

“Canada has followed developments in Belarus with concern, in particular the beatings and arrests of peaceful demonstrators marching on March 25 to mark the 1918 declaration of independence of the Belarusian National Republic.

“We condemn these actions, which represent a renewed assault on civil society, including non-governmental organizations and independent media.

“Canada urges the Government of Belarus to respect the right of peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Canada further calls upon the Government of Belarus to remove without delay unacceptable restrictions on free and independent media, and to release immediately all those who have been arbitrarily detained.”