Media: EU to consider suspension of sanctions against Belarus on September 4-5

EU foreign ministers will “consider plans of suspending sanctions against Belarus” at an informal meeting in Luxembourg on September 4-5.

TASS news agency learnt it from a source in the EU.

“The decision of President Lukashenka on releasing jailed opposition leaders creates conditions for suspending the sanctions. This will be discussed on September 4-5," he said.

Six political prisoner were released in Belarus on August 22.

Nevertheless, the country still has prisoners of conscience. Five young men were detained on August 11 after searches and brutal beating. They are accused of drawing graffiti in the Belarusian language in Minsk in May and August 2015 and painting on a social ad on a billboard in June 2015.

Suspects Maksim Piakarski and Vadzim Zharomski were charged with violating part 2 of article 339 of the Criminal Code (hooliganism committed by a group of people). It is unknown whether Viachaslau Kasinerau, who is at hospital with a double fracture, has been charged.

A criminal (!) case was launched against the young men for painting on a billboard and drawing graffiti “Belarus must be Belarusian” with a crossed out swastika and USSR coat of arms. They may face up to 6 years of imprisonment.