The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Belarus to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva issued a statement in response to the position of Rupert Colville, official spokesperson of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, where he questioned the legal detention of the editor of the extremist telegram channel. The diplomatic mission once again drew attention to the fact that the competent state authorities of Belarus recognized Roman Protasevich as a suspect under several criminal cases in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Belarus, in connection with which a warrant for international search was issued against him. He was lawfully detained by the law enforcement authorities at the international airport of the Republic of Belarus.
We hold the personal convictions of Rupert Colville and the High Commissioner he represents at high respect, including his concern for the health of Roman Protasevich, who while being in detention continues to enjoy all the rights and bear all the responsibilities of a Belarusian citizen, but we believe it is inappropriate to express them in an official public document on behalf of the United Nations.
We demand the provision of evidence, which would confirm the validity of the noted inadmissible qualifications for the actions of Belarus. In the absence of such evidence, we demand a public apology," the Permanent Mission summarised.












