U.S. Embassy, Minsk
Statement by Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus
August 29, 2020
Belarus – Targeting and Detaining Journalists and Blocking Internet Access Must Cease
We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites, intermittent internet blackouts, and random detentions of peaceful citizens exercising their rights of freedom of assembly and speech.
We call on the Government of Belarus to demonstrate restraint. As Deputy Secretary Biegun reaffirmed during his intervention today at the OSCE in Vienna and as we have said before, the United States calls for the immediate release of those unjustly detained, and an accounting for those reported missing.
We stand with the Belarusian people in their aspirations for a democratic, prosperous future and support their call for the Government of Belarus to carry out democratic reforms and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. We stand by our long-term commitment to support Belarus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people to choose their leaders and to choose their own path, free from external intervention.
