In the latest developments in Minsk, hundreds of opposition politicians, journalists and activists have been beaten up and arrested during mass rally at Independence Square where at least 40,000 protesters gathered, denouncing the elections as fraudulent. According to reports, amongst demonstrators were provocateurs who deliberately mounted an attack on Government buildings to justify police' brutal intervention.

Taking into account multiple previous instances of physical injuries, arrests and disappearances of opposition leaders in Belarus, the European Christian Political Youth Network would like to express its deep concern and support for the presidential candidate Vital Rymasheuski, who, along with his colleagues, is engaged in a difficult and uneven fight for the democratic future of Belarus.

We are proud of our partners from Belarus and we would like hereby to express our confidence that BCD is the right force to bring the country to a better future.

We hereby ask the Belarussian authorities for immediate and unconditional release of the arrested leaders and respect for the democratic norms and procedures.