Question for written answer E-000166/2026/rev.1
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Mariusz Kamiński (ECR), Małgorzata Gosiewska (ECR)

In view of the continuing brutal violation of basic human rights and democratic standards by the Minsk regime, I would like to draw attention to the situation of Belsat TV journalist Katsyaryna Andreeva, who has been subjected to particular repression for her work, courage and commitment to freedom of expression.

Katsyaryna Andreeva was imprisoned on 15 November 2020 while covering the crackdown on a demonstration commemorating Raman Bandarenka, and sentenced to two years in prison. Even before serving her full sentence, she was once again sentenced for revealing links between the Minsk regime and Russian 'separatists' in the Donbas.

Katsyaryna Andreeva is a symbol of the Belarusian people's struggle for truth and freedom. Her imprisonment is a symbol of the criminalisation of journalism and the violation of international standards of press freedom. The European Parliament referred to this in a recent resolution, in which it called for her release[1].

The repression also affected her husband, Ihar Ilyash, who was sentenced to four years in prison. He could have avoided this repression by leaving the country but remained in Belarus to be as close as possible to his wife. The story of their marriage is depicted in the film 'Under the Grey Sky'.

• 1.Is the HR/VP aware of the case of Belsat TV journalist Katsyaryna Andreeva and is the EEAS seeking to make contact with her?
• 2.What specific action has the EEAS taken in recent months to raise awareness of her situation and secure her release?
• 3.Is the EU diplomatic service taking action to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression of independent media, including regime judges Aleh Kharoshka[2] and Natallya Buhuk[3], who sentenced the courageous journalist?

Submitted: 15.1.2026

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0249_EN.html
• [2] https://pl.belsat.eu/89809110/bialorus-dziennikarka-bielsatu-tvp-kaciaryna-andrejewa-spedza-czwarte-urodziny-za-kratami.
• [3] https://prisoners.spring96.org/en/person/kacjaryna-andreeva-bakhvalava.