The European Parliament is set to vote on January 21 to adopt a resolution addressing the ongoing oppression and illegitimate elections under the authoritarian rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenka in Belarus.
The draft resolution, obtained by RFE/RL, strongly denounces the planned presidential election in Belarus on January 26, labeling it a "sham" due to the repressive environment and lack of democratic standards.
Lukashenka, who has been president since 1994, is expected to win.
The election campaign has been marked by voter intimidation, the suppression of independent media, and the barring of democratic candidates.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on January 17 that Belarus's "repressive environment" prevents a legitimate democratic presidential election.
The draft European Parliament resolution reiterated its nonrecognition of Lukashenka's presidency and called for free and fair elections.
The resolution also condemns systematic human rights violations in Belarus, the suppression of civil society, and the country's complicity in Russia's war against Ukraine, while reaffirming support for the Belarusian people in their pursuit of democracy and human rights.
The draft resolution also highlights that over 1,250 political prisoners are being held in custody in Belarus, many of whom face torture, life-threatening conditions, and denial of medical care.
The resolution stresses that civil society organizations, journalists, lawyers, religious leaders, and political activists continue to be persecuted in the country.
Last week, Belarusian state broadcaster ONT aired a series of propaganda films called Svaboda Slova (Freedom of Speech), which featured interviews with jailed RFE/RL journalists.
The draft European Parliament resolution urges EU member states to investigate human rights abuses in Belarus using universal jurisdiction, a legal principle that allows states or international organizations to claim criminal jurisdiction over an accused person regardless of where the crime was committed; support Lithuania's referral of Belarus to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity; and document and prosecute international crimes committed by the Lukashenka regime.
The draft resolution praises the resilience of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society organizations. It calls for continued EU support, including visas, scholarships, and grants for exiled Belarusians; simplified visa processes for those fleeing persecution; and rehabilitation programs for political prisoners and their families.
The draft resolution also reaffirms its support for Belarusian democratic forces, led by exiled opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and urges unity among pro-democracy movements.
