‘The International Community Must Not Remain Silent’
2- 1.05.2025, 13:45
- 4,508
The EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus voiced support for Belarusian political prisoner Viktoryia Kulsha.
The leadership of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus has issued a strong statement of support for Belarusian political prisoner Viktoryia Kulsha, who has recently commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 3 in Homel. This marks her sixth hunger strike since her arrest, and according to EU lawmakers, her life is now in serious danger.
The statement, signed by Chair Małgorzata Gosiewska and Vice-Chairs Tomas Tobé and Michał Kobosko, expresses deep concern over the continued ill-treatment of Ms Kulsha, who has reportedly been subjected to systematic torture and solitary confinement. Her physical and mental health has severely deteriorated after several years of imprisonment under inhumane conditions.
“We are gravely concerned. If the Lukashenka regime does not stop this barbaric treatment, Viktoryia may become the first female political prisoner to die in Belarusian custody,” the statement warns.
Ms Kulsha was detained on 4 November 2020 under Article 342 of the Belarusian Criminal Code (Organisation and preparation of actions grossly violating public order, or active participation therein). Since her arrest, her detention has been repeatedly prolonged, and she has been subjected to solitary confinement, torture, and other forms of inhumane and degrading treatment.
The European Parliament underlines that this is a clear attempt to silence Viktoryia’s peaceful dissent. As administrator of the “Drivers 97%” Telegram channel, she refused to collaborate with the regime and has remained committed to her principles and fellow activists.
In light of this situation, the European Parliament calls on the Belarusian authorities to:
Provide Ms Kulsha with immediate access to proper medical care and guarantee regular, confidential contact with her family and legal representatives.
End all forms of political persecution against her and other peaceful activists.
Impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for the sentencing of Ms Viktoryia Kulsha, namely Judges Zhanna Khvainitskaya, Siarhei Maltsau, and Stanislau Ivaniutsenka, Prosecutor Aliaksandr Karol, and the operational officer of Penal Colony No. 24, Dzmitryj Samanchuk.
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