Detention of academics, scholars and students in Belarus

Early day motion 1092, tabled 18 March 2022 by Chris Law (Scottish National Party). Signed by 14 members.

That this House condemns the actions of the Belarusian authorities in detaining academics, scholars and students; notes deep concern over the detention of individuals such as Maryja Robokov and Yahor Kanetski who were arrested for their involvement in peaceful protests following the 2020 Presidential Elections as part of widespread calls for free and fair elections in Belarus; expresses concern that the Belarusian authorities are clamping down on opposition and dissenting voices, most notably those in academic institutions who are opposed to the current regime; calls on the UK Government to go further in their condemnation of the Belarusian Government, and advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of Maryja Robokov, Yahor Kanetski, and other detained students; and further calls on the UK Government to create a safe humanitarian channel for those released from Belarusian detention, or in danger from reprisals, to access humanitarian visas in order to flee further persecution in Belarus.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Liberal Democrat 2, Alba 1, DUP 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.