Baltic States – CIS, Belarus, Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Legislation

''The European Parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of Raman Bandarenka in Belarus, and expresses its condolences to his family and to all families who have lost loved ones as a result of the repression of Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s regime,'' the EP said in a statement.

Bandarenka, a 31-year-old art teacher, was brutally beaten on the evening of November 11 by a group of plain-clothed men in masks who reportedly had close ties to the regime. Bandarenka was taken into detention where he was subjected to further beatings. He later died as a result of his injuries.

MEPs demand prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into his death and the protest related deaths of other Belarusian civilians. They reiterate their support for the protesters’ demands for freedom, democracy, dignity, and the right to choose their own destiny, while condemning the ongoing human rights violations, intimidation, and disproportionate use of force by the authorities towards peaceful demonstrators.

The text was adopted by 613 votes in favor, 41 against and 35 abstentions.