Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith says the violence toward peaceful protestors and the media censorship in Belarus must be pursued by the European Union and condemned in the strongest possible terms.  

Deputy Smith said, “The scenes we have witnessed in Belarus following their Presidential Election this past Sunday are disturbing. The right to protest peacefully is something we should never take for granted.  

“I welcome the comments from the Minister for Foreign Affairs that our Government is monitoring the situation and described the scenes as “of deep concern”.  

“The citizens of Belarus deserve to have their say in a fair and transparent democratic process. The European Union, along with international colleagues, should continue to use every means possible to pursue a democratic, transparent and thriving Belarus,” concluded Deputy Smith.