Belarus – Sentencing of 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski to 10 years in prison

France denounces the sentencing of human rights defender and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski to 10 years in prison.

This sentence testifies yet again to the Belarusian authorities’ unprecedented policy of repression carried out against the peaceful protest movement that emerged following the fraudulent presidential election of August 9, 2020, and against all those who are critical of the Belarusian government.

As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated, Mr. Bialiatski’s trial was very clearly motivated by political considerations. France therefore calls on the Belarusian authorities to release and rehabilitate Mr. Bialiatski immediately and unconditionally, along with all political prisoners in Belarus.

France once again applauds the courage and selflessness of human rights activists, independent journalists, opposition figures and simple citizens who are fighting for a transparent, democratic Belarus that respects basic rights.

Cambodia – Sentencing of Kem Sokha (Mar. 3, 2023)

France deplores the 27-year prison sentence handed down against human rights activist and opposition leader Kem Sokha.

This verdict is one in a series of measures restricting public liberties and directed against independent media outlets, members of the opposition and civil society ahead of the legislative elections to be held this July.

France calls on the Cambodian authorities to guarantee the conditions that are essential to the holding of just, fair and transparent elections and to respect basic rights in accordance with the Cambodian constitution.

Israel / Palestinian Territories

Do you have any comment about the remarks made by the Israeli finance minister, who said on Wednesday that he wanted to wipe out the village of Hawara?

We are appalled by Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich’s remarks about the Palestinian village of Hawara. These remarks are unacceptable, irresponsible and unworthy of a member of the Israeli government, which moreover is in charge of the civil administration of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. These remarks only inflame hatred and fuel the current cycle of violence. Once again, France calls on the Israeli government to protect Palestinian civilians and hold the perpetrators of violence accountable, in line with the international obligations incumbent upon it as an occupying power.