The statement by Belarusian Ambassador to Slovakia Igor Leshchenya, who has supported the protesters in his country, confirms the seriousness of the situation in Belarus in the wake of the recent presidential election, said Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Ivan Korčok. " Slovak diplomacy has noticed the fundamental statement by the Belarusian ambassador to Slovakia. What he says is also confirmed by our assessment of the current situation in Belarus, which is so serious that a representative of Belarusian diplomacy also speaks publicly and critically about it. It is a signal from a senior Belarusian diplomat who shows support for his fellow citizens with such a bold and clear attitude," said Korčok.
In a video published on social media over the weekend, Leshchenya spoke as the first head of his country's diplomatic representation to show solidarity with the protesters in Belarus. "I stand in solidarity with those who took to the streets of Belarusian cities in peaceful marches so that their voice could be heard," Leshchenya said in the video.
The Slovak Presidential Palace has been lit in white and red since Saturday evening to show solidarity with the citizens of Belarus, against whom force was used as they stood publicly in defence of freedom and democracy.
At the beginning of the week, the head of state said that she was concerned about the situation in Belarus and condemned violence against citizens of Belarus who went into the streets to protest against the outcome of the presidential election in the country. "Fundamental democratic principles, human rights and freedoms, in this case especially citizens' right to freedom of assembly and speech must be respected and observed," stressed the Slovak president.
Protests have swayed Belarus since the presidential election took place on August 9, which saw a landslide victory of incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, with thousands of people arrested at the demonstrations. Hundreds of people were injured and Belarusian officials confirmed two deaths during the gatherings.
