English

British ambassador meets with relatives of those held in KGB detention center over post-election protest

Relatives of those detained over the December 19 post-election protest in Minsk met with British Ambassador Rosemary Thomas at the embassy in the Belarusian capital city on Monday.

Taking part in the meeting were relatives of former presidential candidates Andrey Sannikaw and Ales Mikhalevich, as well as Mr. Sannikaw’s allies Aleh Bandarenka and Uladzimir Kobets. The four detainees are among some 30 people who have been charged with the organization of mass riots in connection with the anti-Lukashenka protest.

Mr. Bandarenka’s wife, Volha, told BelaPAN that they received a warm welcome at the embassy.

“The British ambassador did not make any statements,” she said. “But Thomas said that the government of her country is watching the situation in Belarus closely and is worried about it.”

Mrs. Bandarenka expressed gratitude for the embassy’s support. “International pressure on the Belarusian authorities should be mounted,” she said. “Perhaps, relatives of those held in the KGB jail have finally started to receive letters from them only thanks to the increased attention of foreign states.”