Nótaí faisnéise

by

• MEP Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus: MEP Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
• Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER, EP standing rapporteur on Belarus

21 May 2026 - On the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, we pay tribute to the memory of all those who have fallen victim to persecution, imprisonment, and death at the hands of the Belarusian regime. This date commemorates Witold Ashuraк, who died in detention on 21 May 2021. Since 2020, when the Lukashenka regime intensified its repression against political opponents and other dissenting voices, at least nine political prisoners have died in Belarusian prisons.

Today, we express our unwavering solidarity with more than 800 political prisoners and all those persecuted on political grounds who remain behind bars in Belarus. While the recent release of a number of detainees constitutes a positive and welcome development that brings relief to many families, it does not reflect a systemic change in the regime's repressive policies. Politically motivated arrests, prosecutions and convictions continue on a daily basis.

We therefore reiterate European Parliament's call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners held by the Belarusian regime, as well as for an end to the unlawful and reprehensible practice of forced expulsion of political prisoners and former detainees from their own country. Every Belarusian citizen must be guaranteed the fundamental right to live in freedom and security in their own homeland.

We further call for an end to all politically motivated criminal proceedings and for a full amnesty for all those convicted on such grounds, including guarantees enabling the safe and dignified return of those forced into exile. These steps must be irreversible and grounded in genuine respect for human rights, democratic freedoms, and the rule of law, as well as in a credible willingness to engage in dialogue with independent democratic actors and to support the foundations of a democratic transition in Belarus.

This day also serves as a reminder of former political prisoners and stories that must neither be forgotten nor silenced. In April 2026, Andrzej Poczobut, journalist, representative of the Polish minority in Belarus, and laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize, was released from a penal colony. His testimony, like that of many other former political prisoners, exposes the inhumane conditions and systematic ill-treatment prevalent in detention facilities under the Lukashenka regime, including beatings, humiliation, degrading and dehumanising treatment, prolonged isolation, psychological pressure, and denial of medical care.

We strongly condemn these acts and call on the Lukashenka regime to immediately cease such practices. We support the firm and principled position of the European Union and call for the continuation and strengthening of international pressure until the full and unconditional release of all political prisoners is achieved and all forms of political repression are brought to an end.

On this Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners, we further call for the full rehabilitation of all former political prisoners and reiterate our expectation that those forced into exile will one day be able to return safely to a free and democratic Belarus. The Belarusian people have the inalienable right to live in freedom in their own country, to determine their future democratically, and to participate fully in the construction of a state based on freedom, political pluralism, justice, and respect for human dignity.

A democratic and independent Belarus, for which courageous Belarusians rose up in 2020 and for which so many continue to suffer, remains a key prerequisite for long-term stability and security in the region and across Europe.

We also wish to acknowledge the courage, resilience, and steadfast commitment of Belarusian civil society. We commend the efforts of the EU Victims Facility, the International Humanitarian Fund, and other European instruments supporting victims of political persecution. Despite sustained authoritarian repression and persistent attempts at intimidation, countless individuals and organisations continue to resist injustice and uphold the values of freedom and human dignity.

In particular, we express our deep appreciation for the tireless work of the Viasna Human Rights Centre in supporting political prisoners and their families. Founded 30 years ago by Ales Bialiatski, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former prisoner of conscience, the organisation has become a symbol of resilience and hope. "Viasna" ("Spring") embodies the expectation that, despite systemic repression and ongoing political pressure, democratic change remains possible and a better future for Belarus will ultimately prevail.

We express our profound appreciation to the United States for its efforts, which have contributed to the release of a significant number of political prisoners. At the same time, we underline that international pressure on the Lukashenka regime must be sustained and intensified until the full and unconditional release of all Belarusian political prisoners is achieved and a complete moratorium on political repression is established.

Жыве Беларусь! Long Live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Delegation for Relations with Belarus

by

• MEP Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
• MEP Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair
• MEP Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
• MEP Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER, EP standing rapporteur on Belarus

28 April 2026 - Today, we welcome with profound relief and emotion the release of Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist, prominent representative of the Polish minority in Belarus, and Sakharov Prize laureate, who endured more than five years of unjust imprisonment on politically motivated charges. His painful experience stands as a stark reminder of the price paid by those who dare to speak the truth. For many years, he has been a fearless and principled voice for freedom of expression, independent journalism, rights of Polish minority, continuing his work with dignity and courage despite mounting repression and personal risk.

Throughout his detention, the European Parliament stood firmly by his side, repeatedly calling for his immediate and unconditional release, raising his case at the highest political levels, and ensuring that his name - and his cause-were not forgotten.

The release of Andrzej Poczobut, following the release of other political prisoners such as Ales Bialiatski - Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the Viasna Human Rights Centre, whose courage and lifelong dedication to human rights have inspired many across Belarus and beyond - marks a moment of hope and justice. However, this long-awaited progress must not overshadow the grim reality faced by hundreds of political prisoners who remain behind bars in Belarus. Their cases underline the importance of sustained international attention and solidarity.

Across the country, independent journalists, human rights defenders, civil society activists, and ordinary citizens continue to be targeted simply for exercising their fundamental rights, and are subjected to arbitrary arrests, harsh detention conditions, ill-treatment, and deeply politicised judicial processes.

We continue to stand in unwavering solidarity with all those unjustly detained in Belarus and reiterate our urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release and of all political prisoners and their full rehabilitation.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit

e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

by

• MEP Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus
• MEP Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
• MEP Pekka TOVERI, Chair of the Delegation for Relation with Ukraine
• MEP Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER, EP standing rapporteur on Belarus

26 March 2026 - Forty years ago, the world witnessed one of the most devastating technological catastrophes in human history. The name "Chornobyl" has since become a universal symbol of tragedy, of the failure of public responsibility and transparency, a warning of the dangers of radiation, and a reminder of consequences that outlive generations.

The explosion at the nuclear power plant spread radioactive fallout across much of the Northern Hemisphere. While Belarus bore the heaviest burden - with nearly a quarter of its territory contaminated - the disaster began on Ukrainian soil, in communities whose names have become synonymous with loss: Pripyat, once a vibrant city, now frozen in time; villages erased from maps; families uprooted overnight. Across borders, millions of lives were irreversibly altered.

Four decades later, its consequences have not faded. They remain in poisoned soil and in the fragile health of affected communities. Yet as the years pass, memory risks fading, and with it, the full weight of the catastrophe. Chornobyl is not only history - it is a living disaster whose impacts will endure for generations.

More recently, that memory has been tested again. The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and repeated threats to nuclear facilities - including the occupation of the Chornobyl zone in 2022 and the dangers surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant - have brought the world perilously close to new nuclear risks. The reckless Russian drone attack on the New Safe Confinement structure in February 2025 was yet another stark reminder of the need for international norms even during armed conflict, as well as for nuclear safety and effective mechanisms for their enforcement. Nuclear safety cannot be separated from peace, and armed aggression near nuclear sites places entire regions - and beyond - at risk. Durable peace must also be underpinned by credible and effective mechanisms for nuclear safety and oversight.

On this anniversary, we reaffirm the urgency of preventing future radiation catastrophes. This requires not only preserving the memory of Chornobyl beyond commemorative dates, but also ensuring that its lessons are not overshadowed by short-term political or economic narratives. The truth of Chornobyl must remain visible, because forgetting it would mean accepting the risk of repetition.

We draw particular attention to Belarus. Following the consolidation of power by Aliaksandr Lukashenka, the authorities have systematically downplayed the true scale of the catastrophe, restricted public access to medical statistics, and, without proper scientific justification, reclassified contaminated territories as "clean" while resuming agricultural production on these lands. Such practices pose serious risks to the health of current and future generations. This reflects a broader pattern whereby the legacy of Chornobyl is being obscured rather than addressed.

Today, this legacy is further compounded by ongoing risks - including for citizens of European Union Member States - associated with the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant. Calls on the authorities to ensure full transparency and independent monitoring, and to halt the use and resettlement of contaminated territories, while restoring protections for affected populations.

The international community must act with resolve. It must strengthen accountability for the concealment of radiation risks and for attacks on nuclear facilities, particularly in the context of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. It should establish an independent and publicly accessible global radiological registry and recognise the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus as a threat to collective security.

Forty years after Chornobyl, military uses of nuclear technology continue to pose profound risks to humanity and the planet. We owe it to those who suffered, and to those yet to come, to act with responsibility and clarity. Only through transparency, scientific integrity, and respect for human life can we truly reckon with the legacy of Chornobyl and ensure that such a catastrophe is never repeated.

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit

e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu, D-UA@europarl.europa.eu

by:

• the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), MEP David McALLISTER
• the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, MEP Mounir SATOURI
• the Chair of the Delegation for relations with Belarus, MEP Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus, MEP Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and MEP Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
• AFET Standing Rapporteur on Belarus, MEP Helmut BRANDSTÄTTER

25 March 2026 - On this day, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt congratulations to Belarusians across the world as they mark the anniversary of the 1918 Declaration of Independence of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. Freedom Day is far more than a historical milestone - it is a living testament to a nation's enduring aspiration for statehood, dignity, and self-determination. It embodies a vision of Belarus that predates and transcends the Soviet era and continues to inspire generations in their pursuit of freedom.

Although the Belarusian Democratic Republic existed only briefly before being crushed by the Red Army, its legacy has never faded. For many Belarusians, it remains the true foundation of modern statehood - a powerful reminder that Belarusian independence is neither accidental nor recent but rooted in a deep and distinct national tradition that has withstood immense historical pressures.

Today, Freedom Day carries renewed and deeply emotional significance. It is not only a commemoration of the past, but also a symbol of present-day resistance. In the face of repression, it unites Belarusians in their unwavering call for freedom, particularly in the aftermath of the fraudulent 2020 presidential election. For many, it has become a focal point for peaceful protest - a courageous stand against injustice, fear, and the systematic silencing of dissent.

This struggle for a sovereign and democratic Belarus comes at a profound human cost. Countless members of the opposition and civil society have been forced into exile, separated from their homes and loved ones. Those who remain continue to face imprisonment, intimidation, and violence. While the recent release of several prominent political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialatski, offers a rare and welcome sign of hope, almost nine hundred people remain unjustly detained on politically motivated charges, and new sentences continue to be imposed on journalists, activists, and those who dare to speak the truth.

In this context, Freedom Day resonates as a powerful affirmation of Belarusian sovereignty - one that is both urgent and deeply personal. At a time when Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is reshaping the security landscape of the region, and as Belarus faces increasing political, economic, and military integration with Russia, the very question of Belarus's independence has become more pressing than ever. Freedom Day is therefore not only about remembering the past, but about safeguarding the future. It reminds us that sovereignty is not an abstract concept, but a lived reality that must be actively defended against external pressure and internal erosion. It reflects the determination of Belarusians to remain masters of their own destiny, to preserve their statehood, and to resist any path that would compromise their independence or lead to subjugation.

In this regard, we underscore the profound importance of safeguarding Belarus's rich cultural heritage, language, and national symbols - pillars of identity that have endured through decades of suppression, marginalisation, and attempted erasure. The Belarusian language, traditions, and historical symbols are not only expressions of culture; they are also acts of resilience and quiet defiance. Today, they carry even greater meaning as they are preserved and celebrated both within Belarus and across the diaspora, often in the face of continued pressure. Protecting and promoting this cultural heritage is inseparable from the broader struggle for freedom - it is about reclaiming a national narrative, restoring dignity, and ensuring that future generations inherit a Belarus that is not only free and democratic, but also deeply rooted in its own unique identity.

This is also clearly understood by the ruling regime, which bears no relation to the tradition of Belarus's independent democratic statehood. It is no coincidence that recent weeks have been marked by a renewed wave of repression, including torture and arbitrary arrests, targeting those who sustain the Belarusian cultural sphere - publishers, writers and educators. In this way, conditions are being created that may facilitate the further erosion of Belarus's sovereignty and increase the risk of its de facto annexation by resurgent Russian imperialism.

Freedom Day stands as a powerful rallying cry for democracy, sovereignty, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Across more than 30 countries this week, Belarusians are coming together in solidarity, demonstrating that even in exile, their unity and resilience remain unbroken. Their spirit endures, refusing to be extinguished by repression or fear.

This day reminds us that hope for a democratic, sovereign, and European Belarus must never fade - a Belarus that respects international law, upholds human rights, and stands firmly against aggression and injustice. We firmly believe that the day will come when all Belarusians can celebrate Freedom Day freely, openly, and safely in their own homeland.

We reaffirm our steadfast support for a peaceful transition towards a system grounded in the rule of law, where human rights are fully protected and where independent media and civil society can thrive without fear. We believe unequivocally that the people of Belarus have the right to determine their political future, to choose their leaders, and to define their national symbols and identity. We remain fully committed to supporting Belarus's European path, in close cooperation with democratic forces and representatives of Belarusian civil society.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

by

Ms Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus, Mr Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair

12 March 2026 - On the occasion of the Constitution Day in Belarus, we reaffirm the importance of constitutional governance, the rule of law, and the sovereign right of the Belarusian people to determine the future of their country.

The Constitution adopted in 1994 laid the foundations of an independent and sovereign Belarus following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It embodied the principles of separation of powers, democratic governance, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. These principles remain essential for the future of Belarus and reflect the enduring aspirations of its citizens for a democratic state governed by law.

Yet today, these constitutional principles face profound challenges. Over the past decades, constitutional checks and balances have been systematically weakened and democratic institutions have been eroded. The continued repression of civil society, independent media, and political opposition further undermines the constitutional rights of Belarusian citizens.

Recent amendments to the Belarusian Constitution have further consolidated the authoritarian system established under Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Rather than strengthening democratic governance, these changes reinforce the existing power structure, including the constitutionalisation of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly as a powerful political body dominated by regime loyalists, the resetting of presidential term limits allowing the incumbent to remain in power potentially until 2035, and the granting of lifelong immunity to former presidents.

We are particularly concerned about the growing political, economic, and military integration between Belarus and the Russian Federation within the framework of the so-called Union State. Such developments raise serious questions about the preservation of Belarus's sovereignty and the ability of its people to freely determine the direction of their country. The removal from the Constitution of provisions affirming Belarus's neutral and nuclear-free status further deepens the country's political and military integration with Russia.

In the current geopolitical context, respect for Belarus's sovereignty and territorial integrity is of paramount importance. The future of Belarus must be decided solely by the Belarusian people, free from external pressure or coercion.

We therefore reiterate our strong support for the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people and for all those who continue to work peacefully for a free, sovereign, and democratic Belarus. We call for the release of all political prisoners, the restoration of fundamental freedoms, and the creation of conditions for genuine democratic participation. On this Constitution Day, we stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus and reaffirm that sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law remain the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous Europe. A constitution is more than a legal text; it is the living expression of a nation's will, its shared values, and its hopes for the future. It reflects the principles that bind a society together--freedom, dignity, justice, and the rule of law--and safeguards the right of a people to determine their own destiny. When respected and upheld, it protects citizens from the abuse of power and provides the foundation upon which democratic institutions and resilient societies can flourish. For any nation, the integrity of its constitution is inseparable from the preservation of its independence, its democratic development, and the voice of its people.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40 e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

by

Ms Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus,

Mr Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair

and

Mr Mounir SATOURI, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI)

We welcome the recent release of 123 arbitrarily detained prisoners by the Belarusian regime. Among those freed are prominent democratic figures, including Maryia Kalesnikava, Pavel Seviarynets, Viktar Babaryka and Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Sakharov Prize laureate, as well as several foreign nationals. This development brings long-awaited relief to families and loved ones, and to all those who have worked tirelessly for years to secure the freedom of political prisoners in Belarus.

The release of Ales Bialiatski is of profound symbolic importance. For decades, he has exemplified moral courage and an unwavering commitment to human dignity, notably through his role in founding and leading the Human Rights Centre Viasna and in documenting serious abuses committed by the authorities. His imprisonment, despite wide international recognition, became a powerful emblem of the regime's efforts to silence independent voices and dismantle civil society.

At the same time, we deeply regret that Andrzej Poczobut, journalist and laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, remains imprisoned for writing about history, identity, repression, and the dignity of people whose voices the authorities seek to silence. Today, the European Parliament is holding an exchange of views with his representatives, underlining once again that Andrzej Poczobut is not forgotten and that his case remains firmly on the European agenda.

The long-overdue release of Ales Bialatski and others must not distract from the harsh reality that more than 1,200 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus. Among them are Viasna members Maryia Rabkova and Valiantsin Stefanovich, who continue to face ill-treatment, severe restrictions on their rights, sustained pressure and isolation. For each of these individuals, every additional day in detention constitutes a continuing injustice and a violation of fundamental human rights.

Furthermore, we note with deep concern that all released prisoners are being removed from their homeland and forced into exile, deprived of any real possibility to remain in Belarus or to return there safely. Such practices constitute a form of continued repression, further weaken Belarusian society, strip the country of its most active and engaged citizens, and seriously undermine the prospects for democratic renewal from within.

We stress that these partial releases, while welcome, fall far short of what is required and do not signal genuine systemic change. Hundreds of political prisoners remain arbitrarily detained, subjected to inhuman and degrading conditions, denied adequate medical care, held in prolonged isolation, and convicted following fundamentally unfair trials.

Responsibility for this situation lies squarely with the regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka, who continues to criminalise the exercise of fundamental freedoms, dismantle civil society, and govern through fear and repression.

We warn against any attempt to portray these releases as a gesture of normalisation or goodwill. Such claims cannot be credible without clear and concrete further steps, including the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and their full legal and political rehabilitation; an end to politically motivated prosecutions; and the restoration of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

We call on international partners, including the European Union and the United States, to maintain a principled and conditional approach, ensuring that any engagement with Minsk is strictly tied to real, verifiable and lasting progress on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

We reiterate our full solidarity with the people of Belarus, with Belarusian civil society, and with all those who continue to fight peacefully for a democratic, free and sovereign Belarus, part of the European family. The release of a number of prisoners is a step forward -- but freedom for all remains the non-negotiable goal.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40 e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

by

Ms Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus,

Mr Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair:

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Belarus reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people of Belarus--people who continue to stand, with extraordinary courage, for democracy, dignity, and the fundamental freedoms that belong to every human being.

Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--a document that enshrines universal principles shared by all humanity, and to which every UN member, including Belarus, has pledged commitment. Its own Constitution recognises the primacy of these universal norms, and Belarus has ratified the core human-rights treaties born from the Declaration. Yet today, these obligations are violated daily, and brutally, by the Lukashenka regime.

According to the Human Rights Centre Viasna, more than 1,200 political prisoners are officially still being held in detention, although in reality the number is several thousand higher. They have been imprisoned solely for demanding fair elections, justice, and the right to have their voices heard. Torture and ill-treatment remain part of their daily lives. Moreover, alongside occasional waves of releases, further innocent citizens continue to be arrested, demonstrating that there is no genuine improvement in the situation.

The recent releases do not represent real progress towards justice and reconciliation, as they are selective, incomplete, and do not stem from any genuine willingness to change, but from international pressure. Civil society organisations have been dismantled and independent media destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have been forced to leave the country, abandoning their homes, families, and future. The regime's increasing complicity in Russia's aggression against Ukraine only deepens the suffering and threatens the security of the entire region.

In this context, at a time when state institutions in Belarus no longer protect their own citizens, Belarusian democratic forces are courageously designing the future: developing reforms, drafting a democratic constitution, and building the institutional foundations of the country they deserve. This work offers a vital roadmap for hope, justice, and democratic renewal. To facilitate this dialogue and to advance work on the reform agenda for a future democratic Belarus, the European Parliament, together with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), convened the High-Level Conference "Belarus: Building Foundations for Democratic Change". This joint endeavour has offered a vital roadmap for hope, justice, and democratic renewal.

The European Parliament remains firmly committed to supporting this effort--by fostering open dialogue, strengthening cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces, and supporting their efforts to develop a comprehensive reform agenda for a future democratic Belarus.

We once again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, and their full rehabilitation. Their continued imprisonment is a grave injustice. Their strength and determination inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and human dignity.

The European Parliament will continue to seek accountability for the crimes committed by the regime--through sanctions, through international justice mechanisms, and through support for the documentation of violations. We will continue to stand by Belarusian democratic forces, independent journalists, human-rights defenders, and civil-society organisations working both inside the country and in exile.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40 e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

by Ms Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair, on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus:

Mr Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair and Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair

Today we mark the 63rd birthday of Ales Bialiatski - a man whose life embodies courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom and human dignity. For more than four decades, Ales Bialiatski has been at the forefront of Belarus' struggle for democracy, inspiring not only his compatriots but also countless people across Europe and around the world.

When dictatorship deepened in Belarus during the 1990s, Ales Bialiatski refused to remain silent. In response to brutal crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators, he founded the Human Rights Centre "Viasna" to support political prisoners and their families. What began as an act of solidarity in a dark moment grew into one of the leading human rights organisations, documenting abuses, torture, and violations committed by the authorities.

The regime has tried repeatedly to silence him. In 2011, he was imprisoned on fabricated charges. In 2021, following mass protests against rigged presidential elections, he was arrested once again and remains unjustly imprisoned to this day.

Ales Bialiatski is one of only five laureates in history to have received the Nobel Peace Prize while imprisoned for his lawful activism and his fight for democracy and human rights. Together with "Viasna", he has been honoured with numerous international awards for his extraordinary contribution to the defence of human rights. Yet - despite this global recognition - his plight in Belarus remains far too little spoken of today.

Tragically, Ales Bialiatski is currently serving his sentence in Penal Colony No. 9 in Horki, Mahiliou region -- an institution notorious for its extremely harsh regime. We have no confirmation of his current state of health. He is held in total isolation - denied the right to correspondence and visits. His family, forced to flee Belarus due to political persecution, cannot send him parcels or provide financial support, deliberately subjecting him to cruel and degrading conditions. These measures are intended to break his spirit.

The European Parliament has long stood with Ales Bialiatski and with all those fighting for a democratic Belarus. In 2020, the Belarusian democratic opposition, with Ales Bialiatski among its leading figures, was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought -- a symbol of Europe's recognition of their courage and of our shared commitment to his cause. Since then, the Parliament has consistently demanded his release, condemned repression against civil society, and expressed solidarity with all political prisoners in Belarus.

On this day, we renew that call with full determination. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ales Bialiatski, along with all other political prisoners. The ongoing persecution, inhuman treatment, and silencing of Belarus' democratic voices are unacceptable.

Ales Bialiatski cannot celebrate his birthday today surrounded by family and friends. But he is not alone. His courage, dignity, and determination continue to inspire us all, and we pledge to carry his struggle forward - until the day Belarus regains its freedom.

Happy Birthday, Ales! Your bravery continues to light the way towards a brighter future!

For further information contact:

DROI Secretariat, tel. +32 2 2 283 09 60, e-mail: DROI-secretariat@europarl.europa.eu

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40, e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

After his recent release from prison, Mr Statkevich was forcibly taken to the border with Lithuania, where he refused deportation and chose to remain in his homeland. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown. The refusal of the Belarusian authorities to disclose his location and condition raises grave fears that he has once again been returned to detention.

This situation constitutes an enforced disappearance -- a gross violation of international law, as underlined by Amnesty International. The Delegation stresses that the Belarusian authorities bear full responsibility for Mr Statkevich's life and safety.

Mikalai Statkevich has long symbolised the courage, dignity, and determination of the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom. His choice to remain with his people, despite years of imprisonment and torture, stands as a testament to true leadership and sacrifice.

The Delegation calls on the Belarusian authorities to:

• immediately disclose the whereabouts and condition of Mikalai Statkevich,
• guarantee his safety and freedom,
• end the practice of using political prisoners as bargaining chips,
• and unconditionally release all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.

We further urge the Belarusian authorities to put an end to the practice of forcibly deporting former political prisoners. All Belarusian citizens must be guaranteed the right to live and work freely in their own country. This requires the full rehabilitation of former political prisoners, an immediate end to their harassment and stigmatisation, and the provision of effective measures to support their reintegration into society.

The heart of a free Belarus continues to beat thanks to people like Mikalai Statkevich. His disappearance is not only an attack on one man but on the very hope of a democratic Belarus.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40 e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

Belarus today represents one of the harshest environments for media freedom in the world. According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Belarus ranks 166th out of 180 countries. This alarming position reflects a system in which censorship, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests have become daily realities for those who dare to report independently.

In 2025, 37 Belarusian journalists like Mr Andrzej Poczobut and others remain unjustly behind bars, serving sentences simply for carrying out their profession. At the same time, 39 media organisations have been labelled "extremist formations," in a cynical attempt to criminalise independent reporting and cut society off from access to reliable information. Almost all national socio-political publications have been forced out of Belarus under the weight of repression and criminal prosecution. More than 30 outlets now operate from abroad.

Despite exile and displacement, the vast majority of these independent media have survived and continue their work, ensuring that the Belarusian people--and the world--still have access to truth and facts.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the Belarusian journalists who continue to resist repression, often at great personal risk. Their courage embodies the values of freedom, dignity, and democracy. We call for the immediate release of all journalists and media workers unjustly imprisoned. We urge the Belarusian authorities to end the criminalisation of journalism and to cease the harassment of journalists, including those working in exile and their families who remain in Belarus.

We call on the Commission to continue supporting both independent Belarusian media in forced emigration as well as journalists -- victims of repression, and expand this support, taking into account the restrictions on assistance programs.

The voices of Belarusian journalists must not be silenced. Supporting them means defending the principles of free expression and democracy everywhere.

Жыве Беларусь! Long live Belarus!

For further information contact:

Eastern Partnership and Russia Unit, tel. +32 2 283 26 40 e-mail: D-BY@europarl.europa.eu

List of Belarusian journalists currently in jail:

Katsiaryna Bakhvalava (Andreyeva)

Ihar Losik

Andrei Aliaksandrau

Dzianis Ivashyn

Andrzej Poczobut

Maryna Zolatava

Liudmila Chekina

Valeryia Kastsiuhova

Dzmitry Navazhylau

Iryna Slaunikava

Siarhei Satsuk

Kanstantsin Zalatykh

Pavel Mazheika

Yauhen Merkis

Andrei Famin

Larysa Shchyrakova

Pavel Padabed

Viachaslau Lazarau

Aliaksandr Mantsevich

Ales Sabaleuski

Aliaksandr Ihnatsiuk

Yauhen Hlushkou

Ales Marchanka

Volha Radzivonava

Anton Kazelski

Alena Tsimashchuk

Daniil Palianski

Yauhen Nikalayevich

Ihar Iliyash

Siarhei Chabotska

Workers of the Intex-press editorial office
Aleh Supruniuk

Palina Pitkevich*

* Source: BAJ and Spring96