The European Parliament today adopted a resolution on the situation in Belarus regarding the recent death sentences and harassment of human rights activists. Following credible reports of an unfair trial and an investigation marred by serious human rights abuses and intentional disregard of important evidence, the resolution condemned the death sentences and the continuous persecution of human rights defenders.

EU foreign ministers today agreed to expand travel restrictions and asset freezes against members of the Lukashenko regime in Belarus in response to the continuation of the poor human rights situation in the country. The Greens believe the measures will not be effective and have called for wider economic sanctions to be imposed. Commenting on the outcome, Green foreign policy spokesperson Werner Schulz said:

Ahead of the presidential election in Russia, the EP will adopt a resolution outlining its concerns on wednesday, the 14 of february in Straßburg. Recent mass demonstrations have underlined the extent of opposition to presidential candidate Vladimir Putin and frustration with restrictions on democracy. The EP previously called for a re-run of last year's parliamentary election in Russia. The Greens believe the EU should call on Russia to immediately implement reforms necessary to ensure fair elections and condemn the deterioration in human rights and democracy, and crackdowns on the peaceful protests.
Video EuroparlTV: Eu must talk tough to russia

EP-Debate (Situation in Russia) on 1 of february 12

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has pledged up to 20 billion euros to bolster the eurozone currency, but he is still not willing to hear EU criticism of alleged Russian rights violations in the country's last election.