EU expresses concern about fate of at least 863 political prisoners in Belarus

The European Union has welcomed the recent release of 28 political prisoners in Belarus, but also expressed concern about the fate of at least 863 political prisoners (according to the Belarusian Viasna Human Rights Centre, working in exile). 

They are “still unjustly detained under appalling conditions, in isolation from families and lawyers, subjected to ill-treatment and torture, with no access to essential health services,” according to a statement by the EU Delegation to the Council Of Europe, released on 8 July.

The EU has also expressed its concern about new arrests and re-arrests and restrictions on the rights and freedoms of those who have been released. 

“We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus and strongly condemn the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society, including human rights defenders, journalists, independent trade unionists, civil society representatives and persons belonging to national minorities by the Belarusian regime,” the statement said.

The EU reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners in Belarus and their effective rehabilitation, and urged the authorities to bring an end to repression.

Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have aligned to this statement.

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