Germany strongly condemns crackdown in Belarus

Germany strongly condemned on Friday the violence used against protesters in Belarus and the detention of thousands who had been "merely taking part in peaceful protests".

Through her spokesman Steffen Seibert, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was shocked by reports that those detained in Belarus were mistreated.

They must all be released unconditionally, Seibert said, adding that the that the government's crackdown was "completely unacceptable."

In five days of massive protests, crowds of Belarusian demonstrators swarmed the streets to contest the presidential election results and demanded an end to the 26-year rule of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Nearly 7,000 people were detained and hundreds injured.

Belarusian authorities have released about 1,000 people but many of those who were released talked about brutal beatings and other abuse at the hands of police, and some showed bruises.

Seibert said his government stands by all people who "peacefully express their opinions".

He said EU foreign ministers would discuss on Friday how to respond to the situation and this could include the possibility of sanctions against Belarusian officials responsible for human rights abuses.