The European Parliament has condemned the police action and legal measures taken against the Union of Poles in Belarus and the attempts by the authorities to impose a new leadership on the Polish community.

In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, the EP demands that the Belarusian authorities relegalize the Union of Poles in Belarus (UPB) led by Angelika Borys.

The UPB is not recognized by the state authorities and has been facing regular harassment and persecution since 2005. Its members are accused of illegal activities and face criminal charges.