Statement by Belarus MFA concerning mass detentions of lycée students in France

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus is monitoring developments in France with profound concern.

Incoming reports—notably that the number of detained protesters is approaching three thousand, a substantial proportion of whom are minors—attest to an acute degree of societal tension.

It is evident that the demonstrations stem from systemic deficiencies within the education system. Nevertheless, rather than engaging in dialogue with the public, the French authorities have resorted to mass arbitrary arrests, thereby merely exacerbating the radicalisation of the protests.

It is regrettable that, despite their professed commitment to human rights, the French authorities, rather than augmenting investment in social welfare and education, allocate substantial funds towards financing dubious human rights bodies, overtly radical entities, and conflicts abroad.

We observe with regret that Western human rights organisations and politicians maintain their silence on this matter.

We call upon the French authorities to:

immediately release all minors detained in the course of the protests;

conduct an impartial investigation into instances of excessive use of force, particularly against adolescents;

enter into a civilised dialogue with students, their parents, and trade unions in order to resolve the issues within the education system.

The Republic of Belarus expresses its solidarity with those affected and hopes for a swift de-escalation of tensions in France.

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