MEPs call for tougher measures against human rights abuses in Belarus

11-03-2011

MEPs have adopted a resolution calling on EU institutions and partner countries to consider extending restrictive measures to prosecutors, judges and KGB representatives associated with human rights abuses in Belarus.
The resolution, adopted by the European Parliament yesterday, also emphasises that ''without immediate steps towards democratisation and upholding human rights by the government of Belarus the process of engagement between the EU and Belarus will be put on hold", including Belarus' participation in the Eastern Partnership.

MEPs highlighted the case of Ales Mikhalevich, a former presidential candidate imprisoned after post-election protests and released only after signing a commitment to collaborate with the KGB, and the case of opposition website editor Natalia Radina, who was arrested following post-election protests and has been forbidden from leaving her home town until the investigation of her case is complete.

The resolution also condemns what MEPs call the disrespect for the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and of expression by Belarusian authorities and calls for the unconditional release of political prisoners. It also strongly condemns the use of torture against political prisoners and describes this behaviour as inhuman.

http://www.enpi-info.eu/maineast.php?id_type=1&id=24482&lang_id=450