The European People’s Party (EPP) expresses its deep concern over the ongoing grave violations of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus under the illegitimate Lukashenka regime. Despite the release of approximately 230 political prisoners in recent months, more than 1,500 political prisoners remain arbitrarily and unjustly detained, many of whom are subjected to inhumane and life-threatening conditions. The EPP condemns the continued systematic repression, which includes arbitrary arrests, including of family members, torture and harassment, and ill-treatment of detainees, as well as persecution based on pro-democratic conviction, and will continue to stand with the people of Belarus in their struggle for a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Belarus. Escalation of Repressions Repressions and new arrests in Belarus persist at alarming rates. In the run-up to the so-called presidential election, the Lukashenka regime has intensified its crackdown on civil society, journalists, and political activists. According to the Human Rights Center “Viasna,” at least 360 people were detained between July and September 2024 alone. Many leaders of the democratic opposition remain imprisoned including an EPP observer member party co-chair Pavel Seviarynets (Belarusian Christian Democracy), as well Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka, Maryia Kalesnikava, Mikalai Statkevich as well as family members of EPP parties, in particular, Artsiom Liabedzka. Notably, at least six political prisoners have died in custody under suspicious circumstances over the past three years, underscoring the dire conditions in Belarusian prisons. Undemocratic Electoral Environment The current “presidential elections” is a farce and we will not recognise it like we did not recognisethe election in 2020 which led to an incredible escalation of violence of the regime against its own people. Opposition candidates are barred from participating, media freedom is heavily restricted, voters face intimidation, the independent election observation is absent. The EPP unequivocally declares that these “elections” cannot be considered free or fair. Violations of Freedom of Conscience and Religion Repressive measures in Belarus have expanded to include unprecedented attacks on religious freedom. The recent adoption of the law “On freedom of conscience and religious organisations”, requiring the re-registration of religious and faith-based organizations by 5 July 2025, poses a significant threat to the rights of religious communities. This law jeopardizes the existence of hundreds of religious communities and grossly violates the fundamental right to freedom of conscience. Broader Human Rights Violations The repression in Belarus affects a wide range of societal groups, including human rights defenders, independent journalists, trade union leaders, and ordinary citizens. The regime’s actions include censorship, forced exile, deprivation of property, and economic coercion. Peaceful protests are currently impossible, as individuals face persecution even for expressing dissenting opinions online or in public forums. The lack of accountability for these violations has created a culture of impunity within the state apparatus. Therefore, The European People’s Party: Condemns the ongoing violations of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. Calls on the Lukashenka regime to end all forms of repression and guarantee the fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly, and association. Urges the Lukashenka regime to respect the right to freedom of religion, belief and conscience and immediately halt the persecution of religious communities and Churches. Insists on the implementation of OSCE standards for democratic elections, including the restoration of independent election observation mechanisms; with an immediate application for the upcoming presidential elections on 26 January 2025. Reaffirms its unwavering support for the Belarusian people in their struggle for democracy, freedom, and human rights. We stand in solidarity with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society organizations in their quest to build a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Belarus. Calls on the international democratic community to show effective solidarity with Belarusian citizens, the media, civil society, and democratic forces. Declares that Belarus dictator Lukashenka and his regime must stand trial for the violence against their own people as well as for the war of aggression against Ukraine in which they are openly and actively supporting Russia. Strongly condemns the hybrid warfare that Belarus is conducting against the EU by exerting artificial migratory pressures on our eastern borders, particularly in Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.