David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests. I commend them on their courage and bravery and on the work they are doing. It is appalling what is happening in Belarus. Senator Craughwell has asked about journalists and the press. I would like some more information on other forms of communication and information available in Belarus, such as the Internet, mobile phone usage, etc.. Is there also a crackdown in those areas? Equally, would our guests like to comment on the role of Russia and Mr. Putin? I refer to the influence he has on and the support he may be giving to the authorities in Belarus. It is fine if Ms Tsikhanouskaya cannot comment. I am just interested to see what role Russia and Mr. Putin may have in this regard.