Statement by Minister Champagne on Belarusian presidential elections

August 17, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada joins its partners in the international community in condemnation of the crackdown on peaceful protestors following the presidential election in Belarus.

“We do not accept the results of this fraudulent presidential election in Belarus and call for free and fair elections. 

“We further call for a thorough investigation to be conducted through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 

“Thousands of people across Belarus are in the streets calling for an end to police brutality, the release of political prisoners and credible elections. 

“As I stated to opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya during our call on Saturday, Canada will continue to stand with the people of Belarus, and we will work with our international partners to ensure that their voices are heard and that those responsible for undermining democracy and for brutal actions against protestors are held to account.”