EP-voorzitter Martin Schulz roept Wit-Rusland op om geen doodstraf uit te voeren (en)

European Parliament President Martin Schulz i made the following statement in reaction to Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenka's refusal to pardon two men sentenced to death.

"I was deeply saddened to learn that President Lukashenka has refused to pardon Uladzislau Kavalyou and Dzmitry Kanavalau, who have been sentenced to death for a bomb attack at the Minsk underground. Their conviction came despite strong doubts about their role in this tragic event. According to human rights organisations, their trial did not meet with international standards.

I call on President Lukashenka to reconsider his decision. The death penalty is irrevocable, inhumane and degrading. The European Parliament opposes it in all cases.

I urge Belarus, the last remaining country in Europe that still uses it, to introduce a moratorium on capital punishment.

In a resolution to be adopted on Thursday, the European Parliament is voicing its grave concern about this and other cases of human rights violations in Belarus

For further information:

europarl.president.press@europarl.europa.eu

Armin Machmer

Spokesperson

Mobile: +32 479 97 11 98

Marcin Grajewski

Press Officer

Mobile: +32 498 98 15 50