Jacek Protasevich: Belarus deviates from international standards

“Representatives of the Belarusian authorities often say that Belarus has the right to chose at what speed it should approach international standards. Theoretically, we cannot exercise pressure on a sovereign independent state… However, the standards they talk about, for example, OSCE  standards, are not a domestic matter”, - claimed Jacek Protasevich at a mini-session of the European Parliament dedicated to relations with Belarus on February 24. He briefly described the situation of the Polish House in Ivyanets. According to the European deputy, a group of people repaired the building in the city centre and turned it into an important centre for the Polish minority. Ivyanets authorities decided to use police force against elderly people and to take over the building before the court took its decision. At the same time, witnesses were not allowed to enter the city court to give evidence, noted Jacek Protasevich.

“It does not demonstrate any quick approach to international standards Belarus promised to stick to but a deviation from them”, - claimed Jacek Protasevich.

Sanctions may be imposed one day, however, the economic assistance rendered to Belarus may depend of the government’s refusal to use such a policy, added the European deputy.