UN human rights chief condemns violence and detentions in Belarus

The violence which followed Sunday's presidential election in Belarus has been condemned by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Navi Pillay has also called for the release of opposition candidates and their supporters who were not involved in the violence.

Gerry Adams reports.

The UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has expressed deep concern about the violence and detention of opposition candidates and their supporters in the aftermath of the election.

A leading opposition candidate who was hospitalized after being attacked and injured on his way to a rally in Minsk was later abducted by unidentified people.

While condemning calls for violence by some radical factions in the opposition, Ms Pillay also urged the authorities to respect the right of the opposition to demonstrate peacefully and exercise freedom of speech.

She also called on the Government of Belarus to ensure that human rights defenders, journalists and civil society organizations are free from any harassment.

Gerry Adams at the United Nations.

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