On the severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
B-10-2024-0026
on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Rima Hassan
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This resolution condemns the crackdown on political opponents, trade unionists, journalists and NGOs in Belarus, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.¶¶ It deplores inhumane detention conditions, urges Belarus to uphold international obligations, and calls for the abolition of the death penalty.¶¶ It also invites Serbia to stop the extradition of journalist Andrei Gnyot, and calls on the EU to support the UN Group of Independent Experts on Belarus.¶¶
Key points
- Strongly condemns the crackdown on political opponents, trade unionists, journalists and NGOs.¶
- Acknowledges the release of 78 political prisoners by presidential pardon, but notes that an estimated 1,348 people are still behind bars for political reasons.¶¶
- Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including trade unionists.¶
- Deplores inhumane conditions of detention and calls on Belarusian authorities to uphold their international obligations.¶
- Invites Serbian authorities to cease the extradition process of Belarusian journalist Andrei Gnyot.¶
- Is alarmed at the repression of journalists and concerned for the guarantee of information.¶
- Regrets that Belarus does not cooperate with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Belarus.¶
- Reaffirms its position against the death penalty, noting Belarus is the only country in Europe that still has it, and calls for its abolition.¶
- Praises the Council of Europe's 15-point plan for Belarus, including regarding journalists.¶
- Calls on the EU and member states to support the UN Group of Independent Experts on Belarus to collect evidence and provide legal qualification of grave abuses.¶
- Reiterates solidarity with the people of Belarus and their aspirations.¶
Who is affected
- Political prisoners in Belarus, including trade unionists, journalists, and NGOs.¶¶
- Belarusian authorities, who are called to release prisoners, uphold obligations, and abolish the death penalty.¶¶
- Serbian authorities, invited to stop the extradition of Andrei Gnyot.¶
- EU and its member states, called to support the UN Group of Independent Experts.¶