Washington, DC – Ahead of Freedom Day in Belarus, which is celebrated on March 25th to commemorate the anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic’s proclamation of independence from Czarist rule in 1918, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement:

“In the seven months since Alexander Lukashenka rigged the presidential election, the Belarusian people have courageously continued their struggle for democracy and freedom in the face of violent repression. Today, we stand in solidarity with all of those who, like their forebearers who sought to rid Belarus of authoritarianism in 1918, wave the white-and-red flag and demand a democratic future for their country. We will continue to support the Belarusian people’s democratic aspirations until the illegitimate Lukashenka steps down, all political prisoners – including RFE/RL consultant Ihar Losik – are released and, new free and fair elections are held.”

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