Today, the European Parliament adopted an urgent resolution on Belarus against the backdrop of mass repression against former political prisoners and their relatives, as well as the announced trial in absentia against independent experts and analysts.
In the video below, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor for Constitutional Reform and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, explains the significance of the document: “The resolution demands that the regime stop repression and abuse against the people, and calls on the international community to impose sanctions against the accomplices of the dictatorship. It also appeals to Belarusians, reminding them that European leadership sees the situation in the country and will not allow repression to continue behind closed doors. Europe will not leave our country alone in this struggle”. Mr. Liabedzka adds that all major factions supported the document, including the liberals, conservatives, the European People’s Party, the Greens, and social democrats.
Why is the resolution important?
📌 It indicates that the EU keeps Belarus on the agenda and recognizes the agency of Belarusians, addressing the problems of Belarus separately from other countries.
📌 It also means that the EU recognizes and thus cannot ignore the repression and violence taking place in Belarus.
📌 The resolution was adopted in the year of the European Parliament election, which is critical for the next 5 years in EU politics, and confirms that during the campaign the needs and interests of Belarusians will also be addressed.
📌 The document states that Europe does not recognize the so-called “election” organized by the regime in Belarus.
“The resolution shows that Belarus remains on the European agenda, that we are seen, heard, and the EU stands with us”, concludes Anatoli Liabedzka.
