The murder of this innocent young man and the impunity of his assailants is the symbol of the current Belarusian authorities’ attitude towards their own nation and its aspirations to live with dignity in a free state. 

The date of 12 November has become one of many tragic days in the recent history of our close neighbours, when we draw special attention to the drama unfolding in Belarus, i.e. to thousands of innocent detainees and hundreds of thousands of those who have fled the country to escape from repression. 

The systemic and widespread repression has affected a significant part of Belarusian society. The large Polish minority has also been subjected to repression, and in a most severe manner, as it has been deprived of the right to freely learn the Polish language, preserve its culture, and cultivate historical memory. 

We invariably expect the authorities in Minsk to release all political prisoners and establish open dialogue with the public to enable democratic transformation that would meet the aspirations of the people of Belarus and lay the foundation for preserving an independent state.  

We express our deep respect for democratic attitudes and wishes of the vast majority of Belarusian society, as well as the country’s independent cultural figures, journalists, and politicians. We hear and understand independent circles in Belarus as they express Belarusians’ sense of belonging to the European historical legacy and the desire to strengthen close bonds with Europe.