On deteriorating situation of political prisoners in Belarus, in particular the case of Aliaksandra Pulinovich
B-10-2026-0294
on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Jonas Sjöstedt
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This resolution condemns the continued detention of political prisoners in Belarus and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.¶ It denounces the use of anti-terrorism and anti-extremism laws to criminalize dissent, as in the case of Aliaksandra Pulinovich, and calls for lifting restrictions on released prisoners.¶¶ It urges the EU and member states to expand protection for Belarusians fleeing persecution, including visas, temporary relocation, and alternative documents for those with expired passports.¶¶ It expresses concern over transactional approaches exchanging prisoner releases for economic concessions, citing US sanctions relief on potash companies.¶
Key points
- Strongly condemns the continued detention of political prisoners in Belarus and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those imprisoned for exercising their human rights.¶
- Denounces the use of anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation to criminalise anti-war expression, youth dissent, solidarity with Ukraine and peaceful opposition, as in the case of Aliaksandra Pulinovich.¶
- Calls on Belarus to lift all arbitrary restrictions on released political prisoners, including curfews, police reporting requirements and restrictions on foreign travel.¶
- Calls on the EU and member states to expand visas, emergency protection and temporary relocation schemes for Belarusians fleeing persecution, and to simplify access to residence permits, education, work, healthcare and banking services.¶
- Calls on the EU and member states to ensure that Belarusians with expired passports who would be at risk upon return are granted alternative identification documents, lawful stay and continued access to essential rights and services.¶
- Expresses concern over any transactional approach exchanging prisoner releases for economic concessions, particularly recent US sanctions relief on Belarusian potash companies and pressure to reopen export routes.¶
- Reaffirms support for the UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus and the Group of Independent Experts, including their role in supporting accountability efforts.¶
Who is affected
- Political prisoners in Belarus, including Aliaksandra Pulinovich, and released prisoners subject to restrictions.¶¶
- Belarusians fleeing persecution, including those with expired passports, who need protection and services from the EU and member states.¶¶
- Independent trade union leaders in Belarus, such as Volha Brytsikava, Vatslau Areshka, Andrei Khanevich and Hanna Ablab, who face persecution.¶