EP urges release of Belarus political prisoners, calls for stronger sanctions

EP Position

The European Parliament demands the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained persons in Belarus and expresses utmost concern about the reported 1,350 political prisoners and life‑threatening conditions for many. It highlights specific detainees who have faced incommunicado detention, serious health problems, isolation, ill‑treatment and torture and urges Belarus to respect detainees’ human rights and allow access to lawyers, family members and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Key Trade Point

The resolution calls on the EU and Member States to broaden and strengthen sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for repression in Belarus and to pursue accountability, including by applying universal jurisdiction. It also flags persecution in exile, criticises misuse of Interpol notices, calls on Serbia not to extradite journalist Andrei Hnyot, and urges simplified visa and identification support for those fleeing Belarus.

What Comes Next

The Parliament instructs its President to forward the resolution to the EU High Representative, the Council, the Commission, Member State governments and parliaments, the Republic of Serbia, the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and de facto authorities.