On March 13, the European Parliament passed a resolution on Belarus in response to ongoing repression against the Belarusian people. The resolution was supported by 557 MEPs from all EU countries.
The resolution condemns the continuing repression against activists and peaceful protesters, the increasing number of political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the Viasna Human Rights Center Ales Bialiatski, the closure of at least 215 media outlets, and the recent verdicts against Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Maryia Kalesnikava, Volha Kavalkova, and Siarhei Dyleuski, who were all sentenced to lengthy prison terms, as well as the extension of Siarhei Tsikhanouski's detention and the imprisonment of Polish minority representative and Belarusian independent journalist Andrzej Poczobut. In addition, the resolution draws attention to the case of political prisoner Mikalai Autukhovich, who was sentenced to 25 years in a maximum-security prison.
The European Parliament emphasizes that “the authorities in Belarus have repeatedly violated the human rights of the country’s citizens, including the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” whereas “repression continues to affect all sectors of society,” and the “persecution of individuals continues under the guise of combating extremism and terrorism.” The “amendments to the Belarusian Criminal Code entered into force in January 2022, reintroducing criminal liability for participation in the activities of unregistered organizations,” whereas the authorities “submitted a bill to parliament to amend the Law on Political Parties, which may ultimately lead to the de facto banning of any political party in opposition to the regime.” The regime also blocked the mandate of the UN Human Rights Committee to receive and consider complaints of human rights violations by citizens of Belarus.
The resolution proposes that the EU countries:
- continue supporting civil society in Belarus, including financing human rights defenders, journalists, and independent media.
- exert pressure on the Lukashenka regime to release all political prisoners.
- support victims of repression and their families, including by providing legal aid and access to medical care.
- conduct an independent international investigation into human rights violations and repression in Belarus.
The resolution is a significant victory for all those who strive to bring a democratic future to Belarus and tirelessly fight for their rights and freedoms despite constantly increasing repression. For those who are persecuted and imprisoned, the resolution serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and support from the international community.
The resolution also sends a strong signal to the Lukashenka regime that its actions will not go unnoticed and those responsible for repression will not escape accountability. It is a reminder that the world is watching, and the international community stands in solidarity with those who fight for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Although the situation in Belarus remains difficult, the resolution gives a glimmer of hope and a renewed sense of determination to all those who continue the struggle for a better future. It is a reminder that Belarusians are not alone in their struggle, and the international community supports them in the fight for justice and freedom.
