Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Just last week the Human Rights Council held an urgent debate on the human rights situation in Belarus. States from all regions of the world in one voice condemned the escalation of human rights violations in the aftermath to the presidential elections in August. The Human Rights Council urged the Belarusian authorities to fulfil its obligations under human rights law and to refrain from excessive use of force, but so far, these calls have gone to death ears.
Estonia is appalled by the continued one-sided mass violence and brutality by the authorities against peaceful demonstrators who demand their civil and political rights to be respected and their will as electors to be honoured. Lukashenko´s hasty and semi-secret self-inauguration on 23 September was a disgraceful ignoring of the current reality. Instead of genuine dialogue with its people, Belarus authorities have chosen the language of brutality and violence. Arbitrary detentions, systemic torture, attacks on and intimidation of members of political opposition, civil society and journalist among other grave human rights violations must stop immediately. The restrictions on access to the Internet, including social media and other digital communication platforms to erode civic space and fundamental freedoms are unacceptable.
Estonia insists upon independent, transparent and impartial investigation into all violations of human rights and on holding perpetrators accountable.
We call on Belarus to hold free and fair elections under the OSCE/ODIHR’s supervision to allow people to choose a president that they deserve.
Thank you!