§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the European Union's condemnation of the sentencing of the journalist. Viktar Ivashkevich, in Belarus, has had any effect; and what action the Government are taking to urge the Belantsian authorities to review the verdict, given the role of the free press in foreign policy. [HL446]
§ Baroness AmosHer Majesty's Government are very concerned at the treatment of Mr Ivashkevich and other journalists in Belarus. However, representations by the EU have had no effect yet. In response to the continuing deterioration of individual freedoms and rights of expression in Belarus, Her Majesty's Government, along with 13 other EU member states, have issued a travel ban/exclusion orders on the President of Belarus and seven leading political figures.