What changed

B100223/2025

B100218/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus -Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee

(2025/2629(RSP))

-– having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Belarus,

-– having regard to RuleRules 150150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the Lukashenka regime has intensified its campaign of repression against citizens who oppose the dictatorship;

whereas political opposition figures, activists and independent journalists face systematic harassment, imprisonment and intimidation in Belarus;

B. whereas three Belarusian women — Viktoryia Kulsha, Volha Mayorava and Alena Hnauk remain imprisoned under inhuman conditions, including incommunicado detention, denial of access to lawyers, family, medical care, and basic humanitarian aid, facing constant psychological pressure and fabricated disciplinary charges;

whereas ahead of the January elections, the Belarusian Investigative Committee intensified action against opposition figures, opening criminal cases against 45 activists, 22 accused of conspiring to seize power and 23 of forming extremist groups, with penalties of up to 12 years in prison;

C. whereas the health of all three women has significantly deteriorated, while Viktoryia Kulsha is on the verge of death after multiple suicide attempts, prolonged hunger strikes and torture;

whereas Committee statements in January and March 2025 suggest expanded surveillance and threats against Belarusians abroad, particularly those involved in protests or Freedom Day on 25 March

D. whereas on 25 March 2025 four years passed since the latest arrest of Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut, who has faced repeated detentions since 2011 and is currently subjected to an additional punishment;

whereas the regime’s labeling of opposition as extremist or terrorist is widely condemned as misuse of law to stifle dissent; whereas UN experts note these practices purge civic space and suppress free expression in Belarus;

E. whereas threats by Investigative Committee of Belarus indicate that the regime now seeks to export repression beyond Belarusian borders by targeting Belarusians in exile with criminal charges for their peaceful, pro-democratic actions;

whereas elections in Belarus have consistently failed to meet international standards of transparency, fairness and democratic legitimacy, as highlighted by independent observers and the OSCE;

1. Condemns in the strongest terms the persecution of Belarusian citizens for their peaceful democratic activities abroad, which is an infringement upon the sovereignty of the countries in which these individuals now reside;

whereas Aliaksandr Lukashenka has been in power continuously for over 30 years, an almost unique case in contemporary Europe;

2. Demands the immediate and unconditional release and full rehabilitation of all political prisoners in Belarus, including Viktoryia Kulsha, Volha Mayorava, and Alena Hnauk; calls on the EU and international partners to recognize their cases as emblematic of the regime’s crimes against humanity and act urgently to protect their lives;

whereas Belarusian state media continues to dominate the information landscape, with outlets like BELTA providing government-aligned news and perspectives.

3. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Andrzej Poczobut and urges the European Union to intensify diplomatic and legal pressure on the Belarusian regime to ensure his safety and freedom.

Condemns the continuing oppression of the Belarusian people by the Lukashenka regime, including widespread human rights violations and political repression;

4. Calls on the EU authorities and Member States to impose targeted sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against all officials of the Investigative Committee of Belarus and other institutions involved in the transnational repression of Belarusian citizens.

Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, activists, journalists and trade unionists, including Volha Brytsikava and Aliaksandr Kapshul;

5. Appeals to the International Criminal Court to expedite proceedings on crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenka regime and to issue arrest warrants for individuals whose involvement has been substantiated.

Urges the EU Delegation and Member State embassies to monitor political trials and support prisoners' relative;

6. Expresses unwavering support for the Belarusian democratic community in exile, which has shown institutional resilience and effectiveness in raising international awareness and defending democratic values;

Calls on the EU and the Member State to extend EU support to Belarusians living in exile who risk facing politically motivated charges by the Belarusian Investigative Committee, including by providing political, financial and legal assistance;

7. Underlines the need to remain vigilant against potential provocations and acts of repression orchestrated by the Belarusian regime within EU borders, particularly in cooperation with Russian security services;

Condemns the regime's violation of the right to freedom of association; calls on all opposition forces to undertake to respect the ILO Conventions, in particular Conventions Nos 87 and 98, and Article 33 of the ILO Constitution;

8. Urges the EU and its Member States to strengthen support for Belarusians in exile by simplifying procedures for legalization and residence within EU states, supporting independent Belarusian media and maintaining access to free information, preserving the cultural, national, and linguistic identity of the Belarusian diaspora;

Is deeply alarmed by the UN report detailing ill-treatment, including beatings, electric shocks and threats of rape in jail; reiterates its calls on the Belarusian authorities to respect detainees’ rights, provide medical care and grant access to lawyers, families, and international organisations;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces and the Belarusian de facto authorities.

Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to to ease visa access and support rehabilitation for those fleeing Belarus;

Reiterates its solidarity with the Belarusian people in their struggle for democracy, human rights and the rule of law;

Is alarmed by the abuse of counter terrorist legislation as a means of intimidation and threats in many regimes throughout the globe;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Member States and the and the Belarusian authorities.