by Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA, Chair,
on behalf of the Bureau of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus:
Tomas TOBÉ, first Vice-Chair
Michał KOBOSKO, second Vice-Chair
Brussels, 30 April - We express our deep concern regarding the case of political prisoner Ms Viktoryia Kulsha, who has recently commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 3 in Homel -- marking her sixth hunger strike since her initial detention.
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.
Currently, the Belarusian authorities are preparing to prosecute Ms Kulsha for a fourth time under Article 411 (Disobedience to the administration of the penal colony), in an apparent attempt to further silence her for her peaceful activism. Ms Kulsha, administrator of the "Drivers 97%" protesters' Telegram channel and chat room, has consistently refused to collaborate with the regime, maintaining her innocence and solidarity with fellow activists.
After enduring several years of confinement under harsh conditions, Ms Kulsha's physical and mental health have deteriorated severely. Her current hunger strike places her life at imminent risk. It is feared that she may become the first female political prisoner to die in Belarusian custody under the Lukashenka regime.
We categorically reject the charges brought against Ms Kulsha, which constitute a violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the UN Charter, in particular the right to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. Her case exemplifies the systemic failure of Belarus to uphold its international obligations and the arbitrary nature of its judicial system.
In light of these grave concerns, we urgently call on the Belarusian authorities to:
- Provide Ms Kulsha with immediate access to adequate medical care, and ensure regular, confidential contact with her family and legal counsel.
- Cease all forms of political persecution against her and other peaceful activists.
- Call on the European Union and its Member States to 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.
Furthermore, we urge the European Union and its Member States to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the immediate and unconditional release of Ms Viktoryia Kulsha. It is imperative that the EU continues to defend human rights and the rule of law by holding accountable those responsible for violations in Belarus.
The international community must not remain silent in the face of these blatant human rights abuses. Ms Viktoryia Kulsha's life, and the principles of freedom and democracy she upholds, must be protected.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP
