Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić today made the following statement:
"I condemn in the strongest terms the latest reported wave of raids and arrests targeting relatives of political prisoners and former political prisoners in Belarus. I am particularly concerned by the deliberate targeting of individuals who have already suffered significant human rights violations because of political repression. The Council of Europe reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.
"We also remain committed to strengthening cooperation with representatives of democratic forces, civil society and independent media, based on our shared values, and to the benefit of all Belarussian people. This cooperation includes our important Contact Group."
