Ukraine appeals to the authorities of the Republic of Belarus to release as soon as possible Ukrainian human rights activists and journalists Kostiantyn Reutsky and Yevhen Vasyliev, who were illegally detained in Minsk, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has said.
According to him, Ukrainian citizens Kostiantyn Reutsky and Yevhen Vasyliev were detained by Belarusian law enforcement officers without any legal grounds.
"According to the Ukrainian side, they did not violate any laws of the Republic of Belarus, did not take part in any riots or mass actions, and did not have prohibited items or materials. Human rights activists visited Belarus solely to obtain reliable information about what was happening there and to comment on the recent events in Minsk for the Ukrainian media. Freedom of speech and freedom of movement are basic democratic principles that are respected throughout the world. Their violation is inadmissible," Andriy Yermak said.
The Head of the Office of the President said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, through the Ukrainian diplomatic mission, is actively working to quickly identify and release all Ukrainian citizens detained during the recent events.
He also said that Ukraine highly values good neighborly relations with the Republic of Belarus.
"We are much more than just neighbors. We have always been good friends and partners," Andriy Yermak said.