Press Releases

1. Japan is seriously concerned about the situation in the Republic of Belarus, where many participants of peaceful protests continue to be detained, and political activists who seek dialogue with the authorities, such as Ms. Maria Kolesnikova, are being successively detained.

2. Japan has been urging the authorities of the Republic of Belarus to immediately cease the arbitrary detention and forceful oppression of citizens conducting peaceful protests, as well as to engage in national dialogue that respects the principles of the rule of law and democracy. However, the situation has not improved. The Government of Japan once again strongly urges the authorities of the Republic of Belarus to make an earnest effort in responding to this situation.