France intends to seek the release of Ales Bialiatski

France expresses commitment to seek the release of Belarusian political prisoner.

Human Rights Ambassador of The Ministre d’Etat of France, Mr. François Zimeray, will  participate in an event organized in support of Mr. Bialiatski in front of the City Hall of the 11th arrondissement of Paris.

'Ales Bialiatski, President of the Belarus NGO, Viasna, and Vice President of the International Federation for Human Rights has been detained in Belarus since August 4, 2011, and was sentenced on November 24, 2011, to four and a half years in prison, following an unfair trial.

France has, on several occasions, signaled its support for Mr. Bialiatski and its commitment to securing his release. The nomination of this key figure as a candidate for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize underscores his commitment to defending human rights,' - said in the statement.