The Human Rights Subcommittee (DROI) debates the human rights situation in Belarus following the presidential elections of 9 August in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

exchange of views

Subcommittee on Human Rights

EU - Belarus (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

AUŠTREVIČIUS, Petras (Renew, LT)

SANTOS, Isabel (S&D, PT)

Human rights situation in Belarus following the presidential elections of 9 August: extracts from the exchange of views

SOUNDBITE (Russian), Ales BIALATSKI, Chair of the Human Rights Centre VIASNA, The situation is aggravating. Criminal cases emerge on a daily basis because new people have been detained on a daily basis and they end up in prison. We believe that the voice of the European community and that of the European Union in support of the Belarusan people who wish to live in a democratic society, adhere to human rights, to live in a society where there is rule of law. And that is why we urge you to intensify your pressure vis a vis the authorities in Belarus, to intensify your possibilities of providing help in different ways to the Belarusian society. We are also urging you to put an end to violence, to release all the prisoners and investigate all the cases of torture.

SOUNDBITE (English), Anton TRAFIMOVICH, RFERL Belarus service, Up until July, it was quite extraordinary for police to actually resort to violence against a working journalist. Since August nine, it has become common practise now. Journalists are detained and beaten practically on a weekly, if not a daily basis. Some of them roughed up so badly that they need to be hospitalised. Currently, there are around a thousand journalists and bloggers in jail in Belarus. Igor Lossic is amongst them. He is a founder of a number of popular telegram channel and also a freelance consultant for the company I work for. Lossic stands accused of organising mass riots, and it's been almost three months since he was detained and he remains in jail to this day.

SOUNDBITE (English), Petras AU&Scaron;TREVIČIUS, (Renew, LT), Two months ago, we heard from the European Commission and external service officials still speaking about the so-called term Partnership Priority document, which is absolutely ungrounded move, and it should demonstrate to all of us we didn't have a comprehensive policy towards Belarus. It was mainly led by some member states, fragmented by economic interests. And we have to take a certain responsibility on our side as well, seeing what is going on in Belarus today. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Petras AU&Scaron;TREVIČIUS, (Renew, LT),  A strong demand from our side to stop any violence against peaceful protesters should be a very starting point. I think we should make probably statement after our two days debates noticing this, as well as new elections must be organised and held to not recognising the stolen elections by former President Lukashenko.

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese), Isabel SANTOS, (S&amp;D, PT), The people of Belarus took to the streets and they're clamouring for two very simple things human rights and democracy. This is the agenda of the Belarus people. And the European Union can not fail to respond to this appeal. We cannot fail to support the students, the journalists and others who are fighting every day, because to turn our backs to them is to turn our backs on the fundamental principles of the very European Union itself. And this is why what we want here is sanctions, very clear sanctions.