Congressman Cohen Presides at a Hearing Exposing Belarusian Role Supporting Russia in its War with Ukraine

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today presided at a hearing on “The Role of Belarus in Russia’s Crimes.”

Ranking Member Cohen focused his questions to hearing witnesses on Belarus’ taking of Ukrainian children and the fate of political prisoners held by the regime.

Ranking Member Cohen also released the following statement:

“In my position as the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on political prisoners, I’ve heard a lot about—and frequently spoken out against—Lukashenka’s mass imprisonment of Belarusians and threats against Belarus’ democratic leaders and activists abroad. 

“Since the start of Putin’s war in Ukraine, Belarus has effectively operated as an extension of Russia. Lukashenko bears responsibility for cooperating with Russia in its war efforts, and he cannot be allowed to fly under the radar. Especially disturbing is Belarus’ role in taking vulnerable Ukrainian children and brainwashing and militarizing them.

“Independent human rights organizations have reported that more than 2,400 Ukrainian children have been sent to ‘recreation camps’ in Belarus, where they are subjected to pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian indoctrination and military training. We must help prevent Belarus from escaping culpability and highlight the threats posed by Putin using the territory and resources of Belarus to help wage war on Ukrainians and threaten the rest of Europe. 

“I also want to spotlight political prisoners in Belarus. Lukashenko has over 1,300 political prisoners including opposition leaders, journalists and activists. Ales Bialiatski, Maria Kalesnikava, and many others are experiencing heath issues that cannot be properly addressed in prison. They should be released immediately along with any other political prisoners with dire health conditions. Time is of the essence.

“We can’t forget Belarus’ cooperation in war crimes, and I think our witnesses today will make it very clear where the responsibilities lie and how we can defend freedom from these dictators.”

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• Matvei Kupreichyk, Public Representative, BELPOL;
• Gabrielius Landsbergis, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Lithuania; and 
• Kateryna Rashevska, Legal Expert, Regional Center for Human Rights

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