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Poland has taken in over 100 Belarusians after crackdown: FM

11.09.2020 08:00
Poland has so far taken in well over 100 Belarusians who need medical help after a violent crackdown on protesters by strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Polish foreign minister has said.
Police detain participants of a womens rally against the detention of Belarus opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova in Minsk on Wednesday.
Police detain participants of a women's rally against the detention of Belarus opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova in Minsk on Wednesday. Photo: EPA/STRINGER

Zbigniew Rau told Polish state broadcaster TVP Info that the victims had been tortured and beaten, and needed diagnosis, treatment and a chance to convalesce.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki promised last month that his country would seek to support its eastern neighbour Belarus by opening its borders and labour market while providing financial support to civil society.

Lukashenko has cracked down on protesters demanding his resignation following an August 9 presidential election which the opposition says was rigged.

Rau on Wednesday presented Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya with a special award at an international business conference in Poland.

Earlier that day, she met Prime Minister Morawiecki, who said Poland supports Belarusian groups which are fighting for a “democratic, free and sovereign” country.

(pk)

Source: PAP