MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Belarus - in particular the case of Ales Michalevic and Natalia Radin
8.3.2011
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure
Helmut Scholz, Rui Tavares on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
B7‑0189/2011
European Parliament resolution on Belarus - in particular the case of Ales Michalevic and Natalia Radin
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Belarus,
– having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas 30 people, including presidential candidates and journalists, were detained for taking part in and organizing the demonstration held in Minsk on 19 December 2010 and charged with 'organizing mass disorder', whereas theses charges could result in prison sentences of up to 15 years, whereas 14 of these are acknowledged as prisoners of conscience,
B. whereas Alyaksandr Malchanau, aged 22, was sentenced to three years' and Dzmitry Novik, aged 29, for three-and-a-half years' imprisonment while Alyaksandr Atroshchankau, aged 29, a spokesman of presidential candidate Andrei Sannikau, received a four-year prison sentence,
C. whereas two people, Natallya Radzina and Syargei Vaznyak have been released on bail and two more, Uladzimir Nyaklyayeu and Iryna Khalip are now under house arrest,
1. Calls on the Belarusian authorities to call an immediate halt to the criminal cases against the organizers and participants of the demonstration on 19 December 2010 and to release all political prisoners;
2. Deeply deplores the recent sentences passed on young activists Vasil Parfyankow, Alyaksandr Atroshchankaw, Dzmitry Novik and Alyaksandr Malchanaw of up to four years in a high-security correctional institute for their participation in demonstrations on 19 December 2011,
3. Urges the authorities to ensure that all those detained and charged have confidential access to a lawyer, medical assistance and contact with their families;
4. Reminds Belarus that, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it has an obligation to guarantee freedom of expression and assembly to all on its territory;
5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Belarus Parliament and authorities, the Member States, the Commission and the Council, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE.