The German authorities have adopted an action plan in support of the opposition in Belarus - it is about providing asylum and scholarships, support for independent media, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a traditional video speech on Saturday.

According to her, persecuted oppositionists and people in distress can obtain a visa in a simplified manner and asylum, RIA Novosti reported.

She added that they want to help traumatized victims of torture, introduce scholarships and support independent media.

According to the chancellor, this will not change the confrontation between the parties to the conflict in Belarus, since it is impossible from the outside, but it will demonstrate support in Berlin to the opposition.

Merkel called on the Belarusian authorities to immediately end the violence and release political prisoners. She reiterated that Germany and the EU will continue to prosecute those responsible for continuing human rights violations in Belarus.