English

United States renews call for release of political prisoners

The United States reiterates its call on the Belarusian government to “immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners,” Ian Kelly, the US representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), told the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on February 14.

The envoy recalled the Belarusian foreign ministry’s recent report that details human rights abuses in 25 countries, including the United States. “The United States welcomes dialogue with other countries and non-governmental organizations regarding the human rights situation in the United States. We urge Belarusian authorities to engage, as well, in a dialogue about human rights within Belarus,” he said.

Referring to a series of police raids targeting gay clubs in Belarus, Mr. Kelly said that Washington was concerned about the harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the country.

“Members of the LGBT community are not alone in facing harassment and intimidation in Belarus,” Mr. Kelly said, noting the persecution of opposition activists and journalists.

He mentioned a 12-day jail sentence given in January to Uladzimir Yaromenak, a member of an opposition youth group called Malady Front, and travel restrictions imposed on journalist Iryna Khalip, who was sentenced to a suspended prison term over a post-election street protest in December 2010.

Mr. Kelly said that the United States welcomed the February 9 release of political prisoner Vasil Parfyankow.