The European Union has called for the immediate release of Belarus protest leader Maria Kolesnikova after she was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
-
Kolesnikova and her fellow oppositionist Maxim Znak, who got 10 years, were tried behind closed doors on unfounded charges, a spokesperson of the EU's executive Commission said on Monday. "The EU deplores the continuous blatant disrespect by the Minsk regime of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Belarus," the spokesperson said in a statement, adding the EU would continue its efforts to promote accountability for the brutal repression by the Belarusian authorities.
Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. In order to improve our community experience, we are temporarily suspending article commentingBrazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier suspended after health officials enter field Brazil and Argentina's soccer World Cup qualifier was postponed minutes after it began when Brazilian health officials intervened and raised concerns COVID-19 protocols had been broken Sunday.Driving the news: South American soccer's governing body, CONMEBOL, confirmed the match at Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena was suspended, after the health officials ran onto the pitch. The players walked off the field with the game at 0-0.Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Belarus protest leader Kolesnikova sentenced to 11 years in jailMaria Kolesnikova, one of the leaders of mass street protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko last year, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday, the state-run Belta news agency and the Belarusian opposition reported. Kolesnikova, 39, was detained after ripping up her passport to prevent Belarusian security forces from deporting her in a standoff at the Ukrainian border in September. The musician-turned-politician became one of the faces of the mass opposition movement during the August 2020 presidential election, which the protesters say was rigged to extend Lukashenko's grip on power.
Read more »
Belarus court hands lengthy sentence to opposition leader KolesnikovaBelarus court sentences Maria Kolesnikova, one of the country's most prominent opposition figures, to 11 years in prison for staging unprecedented protests against President Lukashenko last year
Read more »
Britain says jailing of Belarus protest leaders shows Lukashenko's pariah statusBritain on Monday said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was assaulting the defenders of freedom by jailing two opposition figures. Protest leaders Maria Kolesnikova and Maxim Znak were sentenced to 11 years and 10 years in prison. 'The sentencing of Maria Kolesnikova and Maksim Znak shows the Belarusian authorities continuing their assault on the defenders of democracy and freedom,' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.
Read more »
Belarus opposition figure and protest leader sentenced to 11 years in jailA Belarusian court on Monday sentenced Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent opposition figure who led mass street protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, to 11 years in prison, the latest move in a widespread crackdown on government critics following a contested election last year.
Read more »
Germany condemns Belarus oppositionists' sentencingGermany condemned the decision of a Belarusian court to sentence protest leader Maria Kolesnikova to 11 years in prison, saying it showed how rule of law in the country was bent in the service of Alexander Lukashenko's government. German foreign ministry spokesperson Andrea Sasse said Kolesnikova and her fellow oppositionist Maxim Znak, who got 10 years, were campaigners for freedom, democracy and human rights and could count on the German government's solidarity. Their convictions were 'unjustified', she added and demanded their release along with that of all other political prisoners.
Read more »