On Deteriorating situation of political prisoners in Belarus, in particular the case of Aliaksandra Pulinovich

B100326/2026

European Parliament resolution on Deteriorating situation of political prisoners in Belarus, in particular the case of Aliaksandra Pulinovich

(2026/2766(RSP))

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Belarus,

– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure;

A. whereas the Lukashenka regime continues its systematic repression against political opponents, human rights defenders, and citizens exercising their fundamental freedoms; whereas 868 political prisoners remain arbitrarily detained under inhumane conditions;

B. whereas political prisoners are routinely subjected all forms of ill-treatment, prolonged incommunicado detention, denial of medical care, forced labour and severe restrictions on contact with lawyers and family members;

C. whereas Aliaksandra Pulinovich was arrested in January 2024 while still a minor in connection with the so-called "Black Nightingales" case, prosecuted in closed proceedings on politically motivated charges, sentenced to 10 years and three months' imprisonment, subsequently included on its so-called list of terrorists;

D. whereas the case of Aliaksandra Pulinovich illustrates the Belarusian authorities' increasing use of so-called anti-terrorism legislation to criminalise young people for politically motivated reasons, in violation of fair trial guarantees and the rights of the child;

E. whereas, on 19 May 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced nuclear exercises in Belarus; whereas, in recent times, there has been an increased risk of involvement of Belarusian armed forces in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;

1. Strongly condemns the continuing, systematic and widespread repression by the Lukashenka regime against the people of Belarus and reiterates its unwavering solidarity with all political prisoners and their families;

2. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aliaksandra Pulinovich, together with their full rehabilitation and restoration of their rights;

3. Appreciates the efforts undertaken by the U.S. to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus; however notes with concern, that the Lukashenka regime continues to instrumentalise such releases in pursuit of its political and economic objectives, while simultaneously carrying out further politically motivated arrests and imprisonments;

4. Strongly condemns the politically motivated prosecution and imprisonment of minors and the misuse of anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation to suppress peaceful dissent; calls for the immediate abolition of the lists of terrorists and extremists;

5. Urges the EU, its Member States and international partners to intensify efforts to secure the release of all political prisoners and support for Belarusian democratic forces;

6. Reiterates its call for the Council to broaden targeted restrictive measures against all individuals and entities responsible for repression, torture, politically motivated prosecutions and transnational persecution, to ensure effective enforcement of existing sanctions;

7. Calls on the EU and its Member States to support accountability through international mechanisms, including Lithuania’s ICC referral and investigations under universal jurisdiction;

8. Regrets attempts to normalise relations with the Lukashenko regime; reiterates support for sanctions and calls on the Commission to propose restrictive measures; refuses any legitimisation through relations with the regime until not all political prisoners are released and rehabilitated and profound legal reforms implemented;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the de facto authorities of Belarus.