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

B100328/2026

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 human rights treaties to which Belarus is a party,

– having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas, according to Human Rights Center Viasna, 869 political prisoners are currently held behind bars in Belarus, while dozens of new political prisoners continue to be added every month and are subjected to torture, inhuman and ill-treatment, prolonged isolation, denial of medical care, denial of legal assistance and restrictions on contact with their families; whereas human rights defenders, journalists and media workers remain particular targets of the regime;

whereas Aliaksandra Pulinovich, was detained in January 2024, when she was 16 years old; whereas she was sentenced to 10 years and 3 months in prison on politically motivated charges of buildings desecration and property damage, illegal actions in relation to firearms, ammunition and explosives, and attempting an act of terrorism;

whereas, during pre-trial detention, Aliaksandra Pulinovich was reportedly placed in a punishment cell several times; whereas she was later included on the regime’s so called “terrorist” and “extremist” lists;

whereas prison authorities continue to deny political prisoners access to appropriate health care;

whereas recent releases of political prisoners are welcome for those freed and their families, but do not indicate systemic change; whereas new arrests, prosecutions and convictions continue;

Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Aliaksandra Pulinovich, and all political prisoners held by the Lukashenka regime, including human rights defenders, journalists, media workers, cultural figures, lawyers, students, those detained as minors and those in urgent need of medical care;

Strongly condemns the politically motivated prosecution and sentencing of Aliaksandra Pulinovich and denounces the use of severe criminal charges against minors and young people as a tool of intimidation, propaganda and repression;

Condemns the misuse of “extremism” and “terrorism” legislation to criminalize peaceful expression, civic engagement, human rights work, independent journalism, cultural activity, education and solidarity with political prisoners;

Reiterates that partial and selective releases cannot be treated as genuine reform, cannot justify the normalization of relations with the Lukashenka regime and cannot replace the demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners;

Calls on the Council to broaden, strengthen and strictly enforce targeted sanctions against judges, prosecutors, investigators, prison officials, security officers, propagandists and all persons responsible for politically motivated prosecutions;

Underlines the need for full accountability for the crimes committed by Aliaksandr Lukashenka and his regime against the Belarusian people; calls on Member States to apply the principle of universal jurisdiction;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces, the de facto Belarusian authorities and the UN.