A statement by the International Trade Union Confederation on the matter noted that Boris Kravchenko, deputy general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation and chairman of the Confederation of Labour of Russia, had observed the trial and testified.
“I was able to deliver to the court the position of my organisation, as well as that of the ITUC" - Kravchenko said - "The court trial itself was implemented in a procedurally correct manner, but our colleagues are sentenced under articles that themselves violate international obligations, including ILO Conventions, but also the Constitutional rights of Belarusian citizens. The application of these articles to trade unionists is absurd.
We will continue fighting for their full rehabilitation, for restoration of the BKDP and for freedom of association in the Republic of Belarus".
Owen Tudor, deputy general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, said that "trade unions around the world are outraged by the injustice of this attack on freedom of association" in Belarus.
“Trade unions around the world are scandalised at the injustice of this attack on freedom of association. We will continue to fight for their release, for the ending of persecution of all trade unionists in Belarus and for the complete lifting of the bans imposed on the BKDP and its member organisations. We stand with the workers of Belarus.”