Belarus poll marred by "unacceptable" state violence, EU commissioners say

The presidential election in Belarus was marred by "disproportionate and unacceptable state violence against peaceful protesters", the European Union's foreign policy chief and its commissioner for enlargement said on Monday.

"We condemn the violence and call for the immediate release of all detained during last night," Josep Borrell and Oliver Varhelyi said in a joint statement. "The Belarusian authorities must ensure that the fundamental right of peaceful assembly is respected."