On the severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
B-10-2024-0053
on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Ivaylo Valchev, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Charlie Weimers, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Michał Dworczyk, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Roberts Zīle, Carlo Fidanza, Alberico Gambino, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová
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Parliament condemns the Lukashenka regime for persecuting political opponents and calls for the immediate unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus.¶¶ It demands proper medical care for prisoners, an end to incommunicado detention and solitary confinement, and an investigation into crimes against humanity.¶¶¶ It also condemns forced Russification, hostage-taking of relatives, and persecution of national minorities, and expresses solidarity with democratic forces.¶¶¶
Key points
- Condemns the illegitimate Lukashenka regime for persecuting political opponents, human rights defenders, lawyers, historians, journalists, clergy and NGOs.¶
- Calls for the immediate unconditional release of all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained persons, restoring their rights and granting compensation.¶
- Expresses grave concern over prisoners' deteriorating health and calls for immediate access to proper medical care.¶
- Condemns incommunicado detention as torture and calls for ending it for named prisoners.¶
- Condemns repeated solitary confinement of public figures, notably Ales Bialacki.¶
- Condemns forced Russification of Belarusian culture and history, including removal of Belarusian language from schools and public spaces.¶
- Calls for comprehensive investigation into crimes by the regime and for member states to apply universal jurisdiction against Belarusian officials.¶
- Denounces hostage-taking of relatives of political opponents in exile and absentee court proceedings against them.¶
- Condemns persecution of Polish, Lithuanian and other national minorities, including closure of schools and destruction of heritage.¶
- Confirms solidarity with democratic forces, civil society and independent media in their aspirations for a democratic and European future.¶
Who is affected
- Political prisoners in Belarus, including named individuals, who would be released and receive medical care.¶¶
- Belarusian authorities, who are condemned and called to comply with international obligations.¶
- Member states, which are called to apply universal jurisdiction against Belarusian officials.¶
- National minorities in Belarus, such as Polish and Lithuanian communities, whose schools and heritage are threatened.¶