"We are paying very close attention to it, because it is a reflection and illustration of the large-scale repression that Lukashenka's regime uses against its own population.

So, of course, we're watching it very closely, taking action and responding."

According to Stan, EZ has "several instruments" to respond to the situation with police prisoners in Belarus.

He reminded that already introduced sanctions "against those who participate in or support repression, including the judiciary, which is politically used to persecute people for expressing their opinion."

In addition, the EC is considering "other measures" as well as interacting with partners at international forums in order to "increase political pressure on Lukashenka's regime in order to release these people."

"We call on Lukashenka's regime to immediately release these people and not to continue the repression," Stana said.

- The ministers of foreign affairs of the European Union regularly talk about this.

EC member states are also active in this regard.

We are using all the tools at our disposal, including condemnation and restrictive measures, to respond.

And we will continue to do it because it is unacceptable."

"All political prisoners should be released together with those detained and in custody for a peaceful protest against Lukashenka, which deprives the population of Belarus of their freedom and basic rights," concluded the press secretary of the European External Action Service.

  • According to human rights activists, there are 1,437 political prisoners in Belarus as of January 24.