European Economic and Social Committee
21.5K posts
@EU_EESC
News from the #EUCivilSociety assembly. We bring the voices of organised #CivilSociety to Europe. Employers, Workers, NGOs... Because every voice counts.
Russia’s public threats against our Baltic States are completely unacceptable. Let there be no doubt. A threat against one Member State is a threat against our entire Union. Russia and Belarus bear direct responsibility for drones endangering the lives and security of people on our Eastern flank. Europe will respond with unity and strength. We will continue reinforcing the security of our Eastern flank with strong collective defence and preparedness at every level.
Five years ago, Vitold Ashurak became the first political prisoner to die in custody in Belarus. He died in Shklou prison, and his death remains an unhealed wound for our nation. This day became a Day of Solidarity with all who remain imprisoned by the regime. Behind every name on the list of political prisoners is a person. A family. A life stolen. Health destroyed. Children waiting. Years that can never be returned. More than 800 political prisoners are recognized today, but we know the real number is higher. Many families are afraid to speak. Many cases never reach the news. Every day behind bars means cold, isolation, poor food, constant light, denial of medical care, punishment cells, humiliation, and fear. Even after release, persecution often continues. There should not be a single political prisoner in Belarus. Not one. We must never get used to hundreds of names, daily detentions, torture, and cruelty as if this were normal. It is not normal. It must never become normal. Belarus must not be a prison for its own people. Today, on the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners, I ask you to say their names, support their families, write letters, raise your voice, and #StandWithBelarus.
