Communiqués
Statement on the trial against the Father Henryk Okołotowicz
by Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair,
on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus:
Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair
Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
Brussels, 4 April 2025 - We strongly condemn the trial against Father Henryk Okołotowicz, priest of the church in Valozhyn. This week, the Supreme Court of Belarus reviewed the appeal against the verdict of the Minsk Regional Court and confirmed the sentence imposed on the 64-years old clergyman by the judge Uladzimir Areshka to 11 years in a high-security penal colony for "treason". In addition to the prison sentence, all of Father Henryk's belongings were confiscated.
This marks the first time a Catholic priest in Belarus has been convicted on political grounds since the Soviet Union era. The trial was held behind closed doors, without the presence of any Catholic Church representatives, demonstrating the Belarusian regime's disregard for human rights and democratic standards in judicial proceedings.
We express deep concerns about the health of Father Okołotowicz who had suffered a heart attack and undergone stomach surgery. His condition requires specialised health care which he is unlikely to receive in prison. We urge the regime in Belarus to provide Father Okołotowicz with access to adequate health care and to allow contacts with lawyers and ecclesiastic authorities.
The unlawful trial against Father Okołotowicz highlights the rapid deterioration of the religious freedom in Belarus since the adoption of the law on "Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations" in 2023, enabling the government to close churches and other religious communities belonging to religious minorities, and increase control over any religious activity in the country.
Freedom of thought, belief and religion is firmly enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, milestone document in the history of human rights and core principle Western societies are built upon. We therefore strongly condemn the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in Belarus and urge the Lukashenka's regime to grant all citizens the right to exercise freedom of thought, belief and religion and to release all prisoners condemned on the grounds of their religious beliefs.
We stand in solidarity with Father Okołotowicz and his tireless fight for the religious freedom throughout his life, including during the Soviet era, despite contestant persecution and numerous fines imposed on him by the authorities. We urge the regime to grant Father Henryk the right to fair trial and the right to defence by a lawyer of his choice.
on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus:
Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair
Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
Brussels, 4 April 2025 - We strongly condemn the trial against Father Henryk Okołotowicz, priest of the church in Valozhyn. This week, the Supreme Court of Belarus reviewed the appeal against the verdict of the Minsk Regional Court and confirmed the sentence imposed on the 64-years old clergyman by the judge Uladzimir Areshka to 11 years in a high-security penal colony for "treason". In addition to the prison sentence, all of Father Henryk's belongings were confiscated.
This marks the first time a Catholic priest in Belarus has been convicted on political grounds since the Soviet Union era. The trial was held behind closed doors, without the presence of any Catholic Church representatives, demonstrating the Belarusian regime's disregard for human rights and democratic standards in judicial proceedings.
We express deep concerns about the health of Father Okołotowicz who had suffered a heart attack and undergone stomach surgery. His condition requires specialised health care which he is unlikely to receive in prison. We urge the regime in Belarus to provide Father Okołotowicz with access to adequate health care and to allow contacts with lawyers and ecclesiastic authorities.
The unlawful trial against Father Okołotowicz highlights the rapid deterioration of the religious freedom in Belarus since the adoption of the law on "Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations" in 2023, enabling the government to close churches and other religious communities belonging to religious minorities, and increase control over any religious activity in the country.
Freedom of thought, belief and religion is firmly enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, milestone document in the history of human rights and core principle Western societies are built upon. We therefore strongly condemn the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in Belarus and urge the Lukashenka's regime to grant all citizens the right to exercise freedom of thought, belief and religion and to release all prisoners condemned on the grounds of their religious beliefs.
We stand in solidarity with Father Okołotowicz and his tireless fight for the religious freedom throughout his life, including during the Soviet era, despite contestant persecution and numerous fines imposed on him by the authorities. We urge the regime to grant Father Henryk the right to fair trial and the right to defence by a lawyer of his choice.
Statement on the Belarus Freedom Day
• by MEP David MCALLISTER, Chair of the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)
• by MEP Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
Brussels, 25 March 2025 - Today, we join the people of Belarus in commemorating Belarus' Freedom day. On this date, 25 March 1918, the independence of the Belarusian Democratic Republic was declared, marking the beginning of the modern statehood of Belarusians as a European nation. While the life of the new-born democratic republic was short, being soon forcibly absorbed into the Soviet Union and thrown into a new dictatorship, the unique culture, identity, language and values of freedom and humanity, cherished by the people of Belarus, have prevailed and thrived.
Today, 107 years later, the people of Belarus continue their fight. Afraid of losing power, the authoritarian leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka has been cracking down on all dissent, including political opponents, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists. Over 1200 husbands, wives, sons and daughters convicted under politically motivated charges are being held in inhumane conditions, denied adequate healthcare and contact with family members and lawyers. Torture and other ill-treatment remain widespread with perpetrators enjoying impunity. Countless others continue to face relentless persecution, live in constant fear, or have been driven into exile.
By orchestrating sham 'presidential elections' earlier this year, Lukashenka is subjugating Belarus to the Kremlin in return for consolidating his despotic, illegitimate rule. By allowing Belarus' territory to be used for Russia's ongoing unprovoked full-scale war against Ukraine, thus becoming accomplice to Vladimir Putin's war crimes, Lukashenka is once again betraying the people of Belarus and its independence.
On this very special day, we stand firmly in solidarity with the courageous people of Belarus who, like their ancestors in 1918, continue striving for the sovereignty, freedom and European future of their homeland, standing up against the oppressive state apparatus, corrupt judicial system and brutal police forces.
History has shown that all dictators eventually fall. In the meantime, the hundreds of thousands of Belarusians who have fled their country and plenty of those who continue defying the regime from inside Belarus have become guardians of the Belarusian cultural heritage and the legacy of the first democratic republic. The EU and its Member States must step up their support to the people of Belarus to safeguard their culture and identity, helping them to protect and promote the values and principles of freedom and democracy on which the free Western world was built.
We firmly believe that the day will come when Belarus will become part of the European family, standing on the side of the countries where citizens enjoy the right to elect their representatives in free and fair elections, societies that believe in diplomacy and in the right of all nations, small of big, to determine their future.
To achieve this goal, we remain committed to continue supporting Belarus' European path in close cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Coordination Council, working tirelessly to achieve an immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners as our first and utmost endeavour and doing our best to preserve the independence of Belarus for the sake of its people and for the good of all of Europe.
Жыве Беларусь! Long Live Belarus!
• by MEP Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
Brussels, 25 March 2025 - Today, we join the people of Belarus in commemorating Belarus' Freedom day. On this date, 25 March 1918, the independence of the Belarusian Democratic Republic was declared, marking the beginning of the modern statehood of Belarusians as a European nation. While the life of the new-born democratic republic was short, being soon forcibly absorbed into the Soviet Union and thrown into a new dictatorship, the unique culture, identity, language and values of freedom and humanity, cherished by the people of Belarus, have prevailed and thrived.
Today, 107 years later, the people of Belarus continue their fight. Afraid of losing power, the authoritarian leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka has been cracking down on all dissent, including political opponents, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists. Over 1200 husbands, wives, sons and daughters convicted under politically motivated charges are being held in inhumane conditions, denied adequate healthcare and contact with family members and lawyers. Torture and other ill-treatment remain widespread with perpetrators enjoying impunity. Countless others continue to face relentless persecution, live in constant fear, or have been driven into exile.
By orchestrating sham 'presidential elections' earlier this year, Lukashenka is subjugating Belarus to the Kremlin in return for consolidating his despotic, illegitimate rule. By allowing Belarus' territory to be used for Russia's ongoing unprovoked full-scale war against Ukraine, thus becoming accomplice to Vladimir Putin's war crimes, Lukashenka is once again betraying the people of Belarus and its independence.
On this very special day, we stand firmly in solidarity with the courageous people of Belarus who, like their ancestors in 1918, continue striving for the sovereignty, freedom and European future of their homeland, standing up against the oppressive state apparatus, corrupt judicial system and brutal police forces.
History has shown that all dictators eventually fall. In the meantime, the hundreds of thousands of Belarusians who have fled their country and plenty of those who continue defying the regime from inside Belarus have become guardians of the Belarusian cultural heritage and the legacy of the first democratic republic. The EU and its Member States must step up their support to the people of Belarus to safeguard their culture and identity, helping them to protect and promote the values and principles of freedom and democracy on which the free Western world was built.
We firmly believe that the day will come when Belarus will become part of the European family, standing on the side of the countries where citizens enjoy the right to elect their representatives in free and fair elections, societies that believe in diplomacy and in the right of all nations, small of big, to determine their future.
To achieve this goal, we remain committed to continue supporting Belarus' European path in close cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Coordination Council, working tirelessly to achieve an immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners as our first and utmost endeavour and doing our best to preserve the independence of Belarus for the sake of its people and for the good of all of Europe.
Жыве Беларусь! Long Live Belarus!
Commemorating the First Anniversary of the Death of Ihar Lednik, Belarusian Political Prisoner
STATEMENT BY MAŁGORZATA GOSIEWSKA, CHAIR,ON BEHALF OF THE BUREAU OF THE EP DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH BELARUS
Brussels, 20 February 2025 - Today, we mark the first anniversary of the death of Ihar Lednik, a Belarusian political prisoner who passed away on February 20, 2024, at the age of 64 in a penal colony in Mahilioŭ. Ihar Lednik was sentenced to three years in prison for "insulting" Aliaksandr Lukashenka in an article published in Pazicyja, the magazine of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party.
The tragic death of Ihar Lednik is yet another testament to the brutality of the regime, its disregard for human life and dignity, and its complete neglect of Belarus' international obligations. Despite the recent release of some political prisoners, more than 1,200 brave Belarusians who opposed the regime remain imprisoned in dire conditions, subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Ihar's family and friends, as well as to all those who, in these dark times of widespread persecution and oppression, continue to fight for a free, sovereign, and democratic Belarus. Together, we must continue our struggle for the Belarusian people's right to freely determine their future. We must not allow dictators to prevail.
We urgently renew our call to the European Union and its Member States to work tirelessly with Belarusian democratic forces to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners held in Belarusian detention facilities.
Brussels, 20 February 2025 - Today, we mark the first anniversary of the death of Ihar Lednik, a Belarusian political prisoner who passed away on February 20, 2024, at the age of 64 in a penal colony in Mahilioŭ. Ihar Lednik was sentenced to three years in prison for "insulting" Aliaksandr Lukashenka in an article published in Pazicyja, the magazine of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party.
The tragic death of Ihar Lednik is yet another testament to the brutality of the regime, its disregard for human life and dignity, and its complete neglect of Belarus' international obligations. Despite the recent release of some political prisoners, more than 1,200 brave Belarusians who opposed the regime remain imprisoned in dire conditions, subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Ihar's family and friends, as well as to all those who, in these dark times of widespread persecution and oppression, continue to fight for a free, sovereign, and democratic Belarus. Together, we must continue our struggle for the Belarusian people's right to freely determine their future. We must not allow dictators to prevail.
We urgently renew our call to the European Union and its Member States to work tirelessly with Belarusian democratic forces to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners held in Belarusian detention facilities.
Statement on the release of the Belarusian activist Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk
- by Mr David MCALLISTER, Chair of the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)
- by Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
- by Mr Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER, AFET standing rapporteur on Belarus
Brussels, 4 February 2025 - We received with great relief the information about the release of a prominent Belarusian opposition figure Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, activist with the civil campaign European Belarus.
Arrested on 3 January 2021 in brutal crackdown against peaceful protesters following the fraudulent 2020 presidential elections, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk spent four years and one month in a penal colony in Belarus where she was held in unbearable conditions, exposed to torture and inhuman treatment. Over the years, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was placed several times in prolonged solitary confinement with no access to proper medical care, in blunt violation of Belarus' obligations under international law.
On 19 January 2024, following a complaint filed by her husband Andrei Sharenda against Belarus on discrimination and unlawful incarceration, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) took unprecedented action. The Committee requested Belarus to "take urgent measures to provide comprehensive and appropriate medical care to Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, and to ensure that her life, physical and mental integrity are safeguarded", setting a landmark precedent in the Committee's case law against Belarus.
We welcome this development as a critical step towards addressing human rights violations. However, our concern remains profound. Today, we emphasise our serious concerns about thousands of Belarusians imprisoned on political grounds who are being kept in horrendous conditions, facing torture, denial of medical care, and restricted contact with family members and lawyers.
We reiterate our call on the EU and its Member States to:
- support political prisoners and their families;
- request their immediate and unconditional release at every opportunity;
- simplify visa procedures for Belarusians fleeing the regime.
- broadening and strengthening sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for repression in Belarus;
- targeting those responsible for Belarus's participation in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine;
- specifically addressing the issue of forced labour of political prisoners.
Statement on the appeal in the trial of the Belarusian activist Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk
- by MEP Malgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
Brussels, 27 November 2024 - It is with deep concern that we received new information today about the appeal in the trial of prominent Belarusian opposition figure Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, scheduled for 13 December 2024. Today, we stand united in solidarity with Palina's husband, Andrei Sharenda, and her children, Slavamir and Stach.
Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, an activist with the civil campaign European Belarus, was arrested on 3 January 2021 in front of her four-year-old son. Even behind bars, she has continued to fight for her rights and to defend her civic position against the Lukashenka regime.
After an initial two-year sentence, Palina was tried three more times in the penal colony, with each trial adding another year to her sentence. Her imprisonment has become virtually endless. Over the past four years, she has been repeatedly placed in solitary confinement.
While in prison, Palina's health has deteriorated significantly. She has developed chronic, incurable pancreatitis, which, under prison conditions, is effectively a death sentence.
The latest verdict was delivered on 14 October, Belarus's Mother's Day. Following the appeal, Palina will once again be sent to a penal colony, where the persecution will continue, and her sentence will likely be extended. Given her current state of health, it is uncertain whether Palina will survive another term of imprisonment.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the systemic and widespread persecution by the neo-totalitarian Lukashenka regime against people in Belarus, which may amount to crimes against humanity. We urge the EU and its Member States to continue working toward the immediate and unconditional release of Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and all political prisoners held illegally in Belarusian detention facilities, where they are exposed to torture and ill-treatment.
We reiterate our unwavering commitment to continue working with Belarusian democratic forces to maximise pressure on the Lukashenka regime by diplomatic means. We call on the EU and its partners to implement an effective system of sanctions against the Lukashenka regime.
For further information contact: Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40 e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu
Statement on the International day of Solidarity with Belarus
by MEP Malgorzata GOSIEWSKA, chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
by MEP Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER, AFET standing rapporteur on Belarus
Brussels, 12 November 2024 - Four years ago, on 12 November 2020, the Belarusian artist Raman Bandarenka passed away due to serious injuries inflicted on him by the Belarusian security forces. His death has never been investigated nor have those responsible ever been brought to justice. Since then, at least seven more political prisoners have died - Mikalai Klimovich, Ales Pushkin, Vadzim Khrasko, Ihar Lednik, Aliaksandr Kulinich and Dzmitry Dudoits and 21-year old Dmitriy Schletgauer, who passed away on 11 October 2024.
In the memory of Raman Bandarenka and hundreds of other courageous Belarusians who lost their lives or freedom in upholding the democratic legacy of the independent Belarusian state, 12 November has been marked as the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus.
On this occasion, we reiterate our unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Belarus in their quest for a free, democratic and independent future of their homeland, part of the European family. We reaffirm our determination to strengthen ties with Belarusian democratic forces, led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in their struggle for democratic transition in Belarus.
Four years after the 2020 peaceful protests, the democratic aspirations of the people in Belarus have been met with brutal repression and persecution. Today, still more than 1.300 opponents remain in prison, held in appalling conditions, with no access to proper medical care and with families unaware of their fate.
It is a telling fact that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialacki is among them. Several prominent opposition figures, like Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, and Ihar Losik have been held in solitary confinement for more than one year, in blunt violation of Belarus's obligations under international law.
According to the UN Special rapporteur, Belarus has persistently failed to follow recommendations of UN human rights bodies and mechanisms, regarding in particular arbitrary detentions, torture, right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and participation in the conduct of public affairs, as well as, importantly, ensuring accountability for grave human rights violations. The Lukashenka regime has a full support of this policy from the Russian government. In this regard, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the systematic persecution of political opponents, civil society organisations, independent media, human rights defenders and trade unions, which may amount to crimes against humanity and be punished according to international law and by mechanisms, such as sanctions [...]
by MEP Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER, AFET standing rapporteur on Belarus
Brussels, 12 November 2024 - Four years ago, on 12 November 2020, the Belarusian artist Raman Bandarenka passed away due to serious injuries inflicted on him by the Belarusian security forces. His death has never been investigated nor have those responsible ever been brought to justice. Since then, at least seven more political prisoners have died - Mikalai Klimovich, Ales Pushkin, Vadzim Khrasko, Ihar Lednik, Aliaksandr Kulinich and Dzmitry Dudoits and 21-year old Dmitriy Schletgauer, who passed away on 11 October 2024.
In the memory of Raman Bandarenka and hundreds of other courageous Belarusians who lost their lives or freedom in upholding the democratic legacy of the independent Belarusian state, 12 November has been marked as the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus.
On this occasion, we reiterate our unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Belarus in their quest for a free, democratic and independent future of their homeland, part of the European family. We reaffirm our determination to strengthen ties with Belarusian democratic forces, led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in their struggle for democratic transition in Belarus.
Four years after the 2020 peaceful protests, the democratic aspirations of the people in Belarus have been met with brutal repression and persecution. Today, still more than 1.300 opponents remain in prison, held in appalling conditions, with no access to proper medical care and with families unaware of their fate.
It is a telling fact that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialacki is among them. Several prominent opposition figures, like Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, and Ihar Losik have been held in solitary confinement for more than one year, in blunt violation of Belarus's obligations under international law.
According to the UN Special rapporteur, Belarus has persistently failed to follow recommendations of UN human rights bodies and mechanisms, regarding in particular arbitrary detentions, torture, right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and participation in the conduct of public affairs, as well as, importantly, ensuring accountability for grave human rights violations. The Lukashenka regime has a full support of this policy from the Russian government. In this regard, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the systematic persecution of political opponents, civil society organisations, independent media, human rights defenders and trade unions, which may amount to crimes against humanity and be punished according to international law and by mechanisms, such as sanctions [...]
Statement on the so-called 2025 Presidential election in Belarus
by MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP delegation for relations with Belarus
Brussels, 29 October 2024 - Further to the announcement of the so-called presidential election in Belarus, scheduled to take place on 26 January 2025, we reiterate our unwavering support to the sovereignty and independence of Belarus, and our full support to the democratic right of the people of Belarus to choose their representatives in free and fair elections, conducted without interference, intimidation and under the auspices of OSCE/ODIHR in full compliance with international standards.
Since the fraudulent 2020 elections, the human rights situation in Belarus has deteriorated substantially. Tens of thousands peaceful protesters have been arrested and nearly 1300 political prisoners, including opposition political figures, are still kept in Belarusian detention facilities. Tens of thousands have also been forced to leave the country. We strongly condemn the systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations committed in Belarus, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment against political prisoners, which may amount to crimes against humanity, according to the report of the UN Human Rights Commissioner.
We stress that elections held in the current atmosphere of fear and repression, and in conditions that are contrary to all internationally recognised standards, with no possibility for Belarusians living abroad to exercise their right to vote and stand as a candidate in the election, with no transparent system for counting of votes and without the participation of international observers, cannot be considered as fair and free.
We therefore urge the regime in Belarus to fully respect human rights, the right to freedom of association, including for political parties, to end all forms of repression, persecution and intimidation, and to release all political prisoners. We further reiterate our call on the regime to fully comply with the OSCE international standards of elections, as adopted by the UN Committee on Human rights, imposing an obligation on States to adopt all necessary legislative and other measures as to ensure that every citizen can enjoy the right to vote, and to be elected, as well the right to have access to public service.
- Statement by Małgorzata Gosiewska, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP delegation for relations with Belarus on the so-called 2025 Presidential election in Belarus (PDF - 214 KB)
- Non-Paper on Belarus 2025 So-Called Presidential “Election” Presented by the Democratic Forces of Belarus (PDF - 110 KB)
Statement on the new sentence imposed on political prisoner and union activist Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk
by the chair of the Delegation for relations with Belarus, MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska
Brussels, 17 October 2024 - We strongly condemn the additional one-year prison sentence imposed on political prisoner and union activist Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, on the charge of "deliberate disregard of penitentiary administration's demands."
Palina Sharenda was arrested in 2021 during a widespread, brutal crackdown by the Belarusian regime on peaceful protesters and their supporters following the fraudulent 2020 presidential elections. She was due to be released on 23 May 2024, having spent 2.5 years in jail. However, her sentence has already been extended twice by the same judge, Stanislau Ivaniuchenka.
The decision to begin the trial against Palina Sharenda, a mother of two young children, on 14 October--Belarusian Mother's Day--demonstrates the absolute cynicism of the Belarusian regime and its complete disregard for political opponents and dissenting voices.
We express serious concerns about the inhumane conditions in which Palina Sharenda is being held, including isolation with no mattresses or bed linen. Her health is extremely worrying: several months ago, she was diagnosed with severe pancreatitis and chronic back pain. Another year in prison seriously jeopardizes her survival and recovery.
We stand in solidarity with more than 50,000 people and their families who have been illegally arrested by the Belarusian regime since August 2020, according to the Belarusian human rights centre Vyasna. We particularly express solidarity with those who remain unlawfully detained in Belarusian prisons under appalling conditions, exposed to torture and ill-treatment, denied access to medical care, and deprived of basic necessities such as food, water, sleep, and hygiene.
We urge the EU and its Member States to continue pushing for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarusian prisons and to provide support to their families and those who have been released. To that end, we remain committed to working tirelessly with representatives of democratic forces, civil society, and independent media, for the benefit of the people of Belarus.