EU Parliament adopts large-scale resolution on continuous human rights violations in Belarus
<p> MINSK, Nov 27 - PrimePress. The European Parliament on Nov 26 adopted a resolution in connection with continuing human rights violations in Belarus, in particular the murder of Roman Bondarenko. The text of the resolution is published on the website of the European Parliament. </p> <p> </p> <p> The European Parliament “condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of Roman Bondarenko, and expresses its condolences to his family and to all families who have lost loved ones as a result of the repression of Lukashenka’s regime. MEPs demand prompt, thorough, impartial and independent investigations into Roman Bondarenko’s death and the protest-related deaths of Alexander Taraikovski, Alexander Vikhor, Artyom Parukov, Gennady Shutov and Konstantin Shishmakov. </p> <p> </p> <p> The European Parliament, in particular, urges the Belarusian authorities to cease all forms of violence, ill-treatment, gender-based violence and torture against Belarusian citizens and detainees, to grant them access to medical and legal advice, and to release immediately and unconditionally all persons arbitrarily detained. </p> <p> </p> <p> The European Parliament rejects the results of the so-called presidential elections of 9 August 2020 and expresses its unequivocal support for the people of Belarus in their legitimate demands for an urgent end to authoritarian repression, for respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, for democratic representation and political participation, and for new, free and fair elections in accordance with international standards. </p> <p> </p> <p> The European Parliament calls on all businesses operating in Belarus to exercise particular diligence and uphold their responsibility to respect human rights, in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. </p> <p> </p> <p> The resolution highlights that actions taken so far by the EU and the Member States against the Lukashenka regime are insufficient and welcomes the Council’s decision to work on a third package of sanctions aimed at firms and oligarchs with ties to the Lukashenka regime; calls for a credible enlargement of the EU sanctions list. </p> <p> </p> <p> The European Parliament calls for a complete freeze on all EU fund transfers, including loans from the European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and others, to the current Belarusian Government and state-controlled projects. </p> <p> </p> <p> The European Parliament condemns the expulsion of European diplomats from Belarus and calls for the EU and the Member States to consider lowering their level of diplomatic engagement with the country. The resolution reiterates the EU Parliament’s call on the Council and Commission to establish comprehensive, effective and timely EU-wide restrictive measures, a so-called European Magnitsky Act, that would allow for the targeting of any individual, state and non-state actors, and other entities responsible for or involved in grave human rights violations, abuses and corruption. </p> <p> </p> <p> Massive protest actions against the official voting results began in Belarus after the presidential election of August 9, 2020, in which Lukashenko was declared the winner for the sixth time with 80.1% of the vote. In the first days, from 9-11 August, the security forces of Belarus violently dispersed peaceful demonstrations using special means, including stun grenades and rubber bullets. Human rights activists documented more than 500 cases of torture and ill-treatment, and several people went missing or were found dead. According to various estimates, to date more than 25,000 citizens have been detained for protesting against the regime, including 125 who have been declared political prisoners. </p> <p> </p> <p> The EU adopted two packages of sanctions against Belarusian officials - on 2 October against 40 officials and on 6 November against Lukashenko and 14 other Belarusian officials. End </p>
2020-11-28
Primepress
MINSK, Nov 27 - PrimePress. The European Parliament on Nov 26 adopted a resolution in connection with continuing human rights violations in Belarus, in particular the murder of Roman Bondarenko. The text of the resolution is published on the website of the European Parliament.
The European Parliament “condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of Roman Bondarenko, and expresses its condolences to his family and to all families who have lost loved ones as a result of the repression of Lukashenka’s regime. MEPs demand prompt, thorough, impartial and independent investigations into Roman Bondarenko’s death and the protest-related deaths of Alexander Taraikovski, Alexander Vikhor, Artyom Parukov, Gennady Shutov and Konstantin Shishmakov.
The European Parliament, in particular, urges the Belarusian authorities to cease all forms of violence, ill-treatment, gender-based violence and torture against Belarusian citizens and detainees, to grant them access to medical and legal advice, and to release immediately and unconditionally all persons arbitrarily detained.
The European Parliament rejects the results of the so-called presidential elections of 9 August 2020 and expresses its unequivocal support for the people of Belarus in their legitimate demands for an urgent end to authoritarian repression, for respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, for democratic representation and political participation, and for new, free and fair elections in accordance with international standards.
The European Parliament calls on all businesses operating in Belarus to exercise particular diligence and uphold their responsibility to respect human rights, in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The resolution highlights that actions taken so far by the EU and the Member States against the Lukashenka regime are insufficient and welcomes the Council’s decision to work on a third package of sanctions aimed at firms and oligarchs with ties to the Lukashenka regime; calls for a credible enlargement of the EU sanctions list.
The European Parliament calls for a complete freeze on all EU fund transfers, including loans from the European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and others, to the current Belarusian Government and state-controlled projects.
The European Parliament condemns the expulsion of European diplomats from Belarus and calls for the EU and the Member States to consider lowering their level of diplomatic engagement with the country. The resolution reiterates the EU Parliament’s call on the Council and Commission to establish comprehensive, effective and timely EU-wide restrictive measures, a so-called European Magnitsky Act, that would allow for the targeting of any individual, state and non-state actors, and other entities responsible for or involved in grave human rights violations, abuses and corruption.
Massive protest actions against the official voting results began in Belarus after the presidential election of August 9, 2020, in which Lukashenko was declared the winner for the sixth time with 80.1% of the vote. In the first days, from 9-11 August, the security forces of Belarus violently dispersed peaceful demonstrations using special means, including stun grenades and rubber bullets. Human rights activists documented more than 500 cases of torture and ill-treatment, and several people went missing or were found dead. According to various estimates, to date more than 25,000 citizens have been detained for protesting against the regime, including 125 who have been declared political prisoners.
The EU adopted two packages of sanctions against Belarusian officials - on 2 October against 40 officials and on 6 November against Lukashenko and 14 other Belarusian officials. End