EU lawmakers discuss Belarusian prisoner release
July 9, Pozirk. Marta Kos, the EU enlargement commissioner, has urged European Parliament members to celebrate the recent release of Siarhiej Cichanoŭski and other prisoners and call for their full rehabilitation and safe return home.
European lawmakers discussed the issue of Belarusian political prisoners at a plenary session in Strasbourg yesterday. Kos told the session that progress in Belarus will be measured not only by pardons but also by the complete dismantling of the repressive system.
“We call on the Belarusian authorities to immediately halt all political persecution, to enact meaningful reforms, and to adhere to their international obligations. Let us continue to stand for freedom, justice, and the rule of law in Belarus until every single political prisoner is free,” Kos said.
Similarly, lawmakers from various factions called for the immediate and unconditional release and rehabilitation of all Belarusian political prisoners and an end to repression.
There were also calls to keep up pressure on the regime of Alaksandar Łukašenka, to hold him accountable for reprisals and support of the war in Ukraine, and to back Belarusian civil society and independent media.
Lithuanian MEP Dainius Žalimas urged the EU to prepare an official report on the deaths of political prisoners and to punish all accomplices of the Łukašenka regime.
Polish MEP Andrzej Halicki demanded the release of Belarusian-Polish journalist Andrej Pačobut (Andrzej Poczobut).
The format of the debate did not allow for the adoption of a resolution regarding Belarus.
Wave of international support follows release of jailed Belarusians
June 23, Pozirk. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that the release of Siarhiej Cichanoŭski and 13 more Belarusian prisoners is good news. "My thoughts today are with the many innocent people who are still being held in prison by …
