The European Parliament today debated the ongoing crackdown by the Belarusian regime on opposition politicians and activists.

The ECR Group is one of the strongest supporters of the Belarusian opposition and warned long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine that Belarusian dictator Lukashenka was a stooge of Putin. The fates of journalist Andrzej Poczubut and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski are representative of over 1,500 political prisoners of the regime.

Speaking in the debate on behalf of the Group, ECR Foreign Affairs Coordinator Anna Fotyga said:

“Our hearts and minds are horrified by the terrible Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, however, Lukashenka is pursuing further repression in Belarus.

“Andrzej Poczubut, an amazing personality and outstanding journalist who is ill, was recently sentenced to more years in prison, having already spent 690 days in jail.

“The same goes for Ales Bialiatski, the Nobel Prize winner. When he spoke during his trial, he stressed the importance of reconciling society in Belarus. He told us that Belarusian society loves peace and democracy, but he was even denied having his proceedings in the Belarusian language. You can’t negotiate with Lukashenka, as he serves the interest of the Kremlin, not the Belarusian people.”

MEPs will vote on a resolution during the 13-16 March plenary session.