Dear Petitioners,

Thank you very much for your letter to the High Representative / Vice President Josep Borrell, to which I have been asked to respond, and your concern for the situation of Marfa Rabkova.

The sentencing of Marfa Rabkova to 14 years and 9 months of prison, along with other politically motivated trials, is in breach of Belarus’ international commitments.
Since September 2020, we have been closely monitoring the reports on Ms Rabkova’s health condition and raised concerns with the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The EU has also conducted social media campaigns to raise attention on the case of Ms Rabkova.

The EU continues to closely follow and react to the situation in Belarus and the continuing brutal repression. In the Council conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Ministers on 19 February 2024, the EU deplores the appalling detention conditions of the political prisoners and again urges the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, and their effective rehabilitation.

The EU has imposed sanctions against those responsible for the repression, and is prepared to explore further sanctions following its gradual approach. We have been and will continue to lead the effort in international fora to support political prisoners and to bring to justice those responsible for human rights violations in Belarus.
The EU will continue to call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus, including Marfa Rabkova.

Yours sincerely,