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Polish law enforcement agencies have received information that members of the Belarusian Coordination Council (CC) have been unable to contact its speaker Anžalika Mielnikava for several days, Polish interior ministry spokesman Jacek Dobrzyński said.

“Polish and partner services have learned that this person has been outside Poland for many weeks. Polish services will support the activities of other countries’ services and the Coordination Council of Belarus to determine the whereabouts of Ms. Mielnikava,” Dobrzyński said on X.

On March 28, the office of United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) deputy chairman Pavieł Łatuška told Pozirk that the Belarusian opposition could not get in touch with the high-profile activist since March 25.

Łatuška said opposition leaders are priority targets for Belarus’ and Russia’s secret services. “I filed an official request with Polish law-enforcement agencies to investigate the disappearance of CC speaker Anžalika Melnikava. At the request of the law-enforcement agencies, this information has not been disclosed [until now],” he said.

Naša Niva, citing its own sources, reported that Mielnikava flew from Poland to the UK without prior notice. It later added that CC can no longer access thousands of euros in its bank accounts.

Deputy speaker Stasia Hlińnik of the European Choice group has taken the helm of the opposition parliament for now. Hlińnik, a granddaughter of the late Supreme Soviet Chairman Stanisłaŭ Šuškievič, is an aide to UTC leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja.

Registered voters elected Mielnikava speaker of the third Coordination Council in July 2024. She represented the opposition group Team Łatuška and Movement for Freedom.

PACE president sounds alarm over Mielnikava’s disappearance

Theodoros Rousopoulos, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), described the disappearance of Anžalika Melnikava, speaker of the Coordination Council (CC), and her daughters as an alarming development.

 “The [Alaksandar] Łukašenka regime has a long history of using repression and intimidation against its opponents, making every such disappearance a matter of grave concern,” he stressed in a statement on pace.coe.int.

Rousopoulos joined the call by Ryszard Petru, the PACE general rapporteur for a democratic Belarus, urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mielnikava and her daughters to immediately contact Polish investigators.

No further details are available at the moment...

Video still: Pozirk  (Senate of the Republic of Poland)

Source: Pozirk

On April 2, the democratic forces of Belarus held a series of meetings in the offices of the Polish Prime Minister and President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Polish Parliament, and with the diplomatic community. They discussed aid for independent media, support for the Belarusian diaspora in Poland, and regional security issues.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, met with Paweł Graś, who heads the Political Cabinet of Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. They discussed regional security, joint initiatives during Poland’s Presidency of the EU Council, outcomes of the Kościuszko Forum, and the meeting of EU ministers for European affairs.

Mr. Kuchynski held meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With the Deputy Director of the Eastern Department at the MFA, Anna Kostrzewa-Misztal, and the Foreign Minister’s Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with Belarus’ Democratic Forces, Adam Hałaciński, they agreed to hold the first session of the Interministerial Working Group in May to address issues of legal stay, visas, residence permits, and international protection for Belarusians in Poland.

Dzianis Kuchynski also met with the Director of the International Policy Bureau at the President’s Office, Marcin Łapczyński. As a result of the meeting, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was invited to the 10th Summit of the Three Seas Initiative. The event will be held in Warsaw and will focus on the geopolitical and economic issues in Central and Eastern Europe.

Pavel Latushka and Dzianis Kuchynski met with ambassadors of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany to the OSCE. The parties discussed continued cooperation, while the Belarusian side expressed gratitude for the joint statement denouncing the regime’s January sham election.

Dzianis Kuchynski and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka,also held meetings with MPs Aleksandra Uznańska-Wiśniewska, Ryszard Petru, and Robert Tyszkiewicz. They discussed a potential Polish resolution on non-recognition of the sham election that took place in Belarus in January, a possible cooperation agreement between Belarus’ democratic forces and the Polish Parliament, improved legal regulations affecting the Belarusian diaspora, and the legal review of the New Belarus Constitution involving the Venice Commission.

The Polish Sejm adopted an important resolution in support of Belarus. This will help strengthen ties between Poland and Belarus and support democratic change.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanks the members of parliament – especially the Foreign Affairs Committee, its Chair Paweł Kowal, and MPs Aleksandra Uznańska-Wiśniewska and Marcin Bosacki:

“Your solidarity gives us strength and hope in our fight for freedom. We will not stop until Belarus becomes a free and independent European country!”

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On 20 March 2025, six Belarusian and international civil society organizations – the Center for Global Justice and Human Rights “M.A.R.A.”, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Human Rights Center “Viasna”, the International Committee for the Investigation of Torture in Belarus, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, and Human Constanta – submitted evidence of potential crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian authorities to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. 

Following Lithuania’s referral of the Belarus situation to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on 30 September 2024 and the opening of a preliminary examination by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, six Belarusian and international human rights organizations have submitted an Article 15 Communication that provides evidence of potential crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian authorities since May 2020. This includes evidence of deportation and persecution committed against a part of the Belarusian civilian population, including citizens of Belarus residing abroad.

"In particular, this Communication demonstrates that the Belarusian authorities created an atmosphere of fear, terror and persecution to “cleanse” the population of “disloyal” individuals, forcing up to 6,4% of the Belarusian population as of 2020 to flee the country. Furthermore, the Belarusian authorities continued to persecute Belarusians forced into exile and those residing abroad through systematic judicial harassment, including in absentia trials, as well as intimidation and threats against those in exile and their relatives remaining in Belarus, publicly disseminated hate speech, unjustified searches, the seizure of property, and total deprivation of access to public services, including the inability to obtain identification documents, leading to de facto statelessness", human rights defenters said.

The Communication draws on interviews with witnesses and victims of alleged crimes, complemented by an extensive analysis of publicly available sources, including public statements of Belarusian high-ranking officials, proving that the alleged crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the part of the Belarusian civilian population perceived by the authorities as “disloyal”. They also demonstrate that the Belarusian authorities implement a State policy to intimidate and punish those deemed “disloyal”, in a campaign officials have repeatedly described as a “cleansing of society”.

Although the Republic of Belarus is not a party to the Rome Statute, this Communication provides legal analysis demonstrating that the International Criminal Court can exercise its jurisdiction, since at least one element of these alleged crimes was committed on the territory of countries which are States parties to the Rome Statute.

With regard to the Belarus situation, the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) previously submitted two Article 15 Communications to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Freedom Day, beyond its historical significance, has become a symbol of international solidarity with Belarusians who continue their struggle for a democratic Belarus. On March 25, words of support were voiced for those who persist in their fight, remain unbroken in prisons, live in exile, or continue their resistance inside the country. Politicians, diplomats, democratic governments, and international organizations once again demonstrated: Belarusians are not alone.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled these statements of solidarity. Find them below. 

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament: “The fight for a free and democratic Belarus is alive and strong. Today, I’m proud to join Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, the democratic opposition, and the people of Belarus on Freedom Day, and send the European Parliament’s strong message of support”.

Steen Noerlov, Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus: “Today, as Belarusians celebrate Freedom Day, we reaffirm the EU’s solidarity with the people of Belarus. We will continue to support all those striving for a democratic future for a proud, independent Belarusian nation”.

Jan Marian, Deputy Foreign Minister of Czechia: “On March 25, we commemorate the establishment of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in 1918. After the BNR was suppressed by the Bolsheviks, its leadership was based in Prague, where two exiled presidents are buried at Olšany Cemetery”.

Adam Hałaciński, Polish Foreign Minister’s Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with the Democratic Forces of Belarus: “My best wishes to all my Belarusian friends and partners  celebrating Freedom Day. Deepest respect for your courage, determination and perseverance in the struggle for human rights and democracy”.

Oleksiy Goncharenko, President of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, Ukrainian MP: “We call to break diplomatic relations with the dictator Lukashenka! Today Belarusians around the world celebrate the Freedom Day and to support the Belarusian democratic forces our Caucus ‘For a Democratic Belarus’ calls for the following:

– Break diplomatic relations with Lukashenka’s regime.

– Recognize Belarus as an occupied territory.

– Transfer the premises of the Belarusian embassy to the democratic forces of Belarus.

Long live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”

Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, DC, declared March 25 Freedom Day for the 4th year in a row, saying that on this day, Belarusians “pause to honor their heritage and advocate for democracy, justice and the fundamental rights of all people”.

Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for European Union Affairs of Sweden: “A future free democratic Belarus has a place in the European family. Sweden and the EU will continue to support those fighting for a free, democratic and independent Belarus, led by Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya. Today, on Freedom Day and the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus, and every day”.

Frédéric Petit, Member of the French National Assembly: “Very proud to be wearing the colors of a free Belarus in front of the National Assembly on this Belarus Freedom Day. A thought for all the exiles who had to flee the Lukashenka dictatorship and all the political prisoners and their families”.

Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: “On Belarus Freedom Day, the Netherlands underlines its unwavering solidarity with all Belarusians who strive for freedom and democracy, including our dear friend Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya. We once again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On March 10-12, 2025 Viasna Human Rights Center, Libereco and a group of Belarusians in Scotland organized an exhibition in Edinburgh dedicated to Belarusian political prisoners. The event was organized to inform about the human rights situation in Belarus.

The exhibition was an opportunity to let all Scottish parliamentarians learn more about the political and human rights situation in Belarus. More than 20 MPs expressed interest in joining our #WeStandBYyou campaign to show solidarity with Belarusians sentenced to long prison terms for their fight for democracy and freedom, and to join the godparent campaign.

The event was made possible by Willie Rennie MSP, godparent to Alena Malinouskaya. Mr Rennie said, “I believe everyone should have the right to political expression and freedom of speech. Democracy and freedom of speech are precious and fragile things, and I hope that Belarusians will have their own experience of that when they are free of the dictatorship of Alexander Lukashenko.”

“Here, in the Scottish Parliament we debate and disagree and we do that without fear of prison or persecution. The persecution of so many innocent Belarusians, and existence of so many political prisoners is an outrage. I support the people of Belarus who long for their own freedoms and justice in their own country. I’m glad to have been able to support LIBERECO, Viasna and the People’s Consulate of Belarus in having an exhibition in the Scottish Parliament, and I’m glad that so many of my colleagues in Parliament also support democracy in Belarus,” he said.

Earlier, 13 other parliamentarians were "godparents", including the godparent of political prisoner Artsiom Kasakouski, Kenneth Gibson. He talked about his conversation with representatives of Libereco during the exhibition.

"Since last October, I have provided “godparent support” for a Belarusian political prisoner: Artsiom Kasakouski, who worked as an optician, has been in custody since 27 September 2020 for taking part in non-violent protests against the rigged presidential election. He is now, serving 6.5 years in prison. Libereco were able to provide an update on Artsiom’s situation and his mother, who is under house arrest.

It is scandalous that ordinary Belarusians such as Artsiom and their family members are subjected to these draconian measures by the corrupt and authoritarian Lukashenko regime. To Artsiom and his family I wish to again express my admiration for their courage. While there is little practical we can do to alleviate their suffering, I will continue to highlight his plight and express my solidarity from the Scottish Parliament", he wrote. 

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

The meeting took place in London on 21 March. The British side was led by Chris Allan, Director of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Belarusian side was represented by Denys Kuchynski, Diplomatic Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Irina McLean, the representative of the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Scotland, raised several important issues concerning the challenges faced by Belarusians not only in the United Kingdom, but around the world.

“I spoke about the tremendous potential within the Belarusian diaspora — there are many experts and professionals among us, and we need to make better use of this potential. I also spoke about the needs of the diaspora. In order to understand and assess them, we must conduct a census of Belarusians living abroad, taking into account the large number of people who left the country after the 2020 elections — the exact number remains unknown. We also need support and mentoring, possibly from other diaspora communities, and certainly the institutionalisation of diaspora organisations, as we are seeing a predictable decline in activity, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for volunteers to keep going.”

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

On March 24, during a short visit to Estonia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya officially inaugurated the Office of the Democratic Forces of Belarus in Tallinn, which will be led by Vitaly Malchanau, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s Representative in Estonia and Latvia. The event featured speeches by Estonian and Belarusian politicians, as well as an award ceremony honoring Marko Koplimaa, Estonia’s Special Representative for the Democratic Forces of Belarus.

The opening ceremony was attended by influential politicians and diplomats, including the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Urmas Reinsalu; the Chairman of the Tallinn City Council, Toomas Kruusimägi; the Secretary General of the Estonian MFA, Jonatan Vseviov; the Special Representative of Estonia for the Democratic Forces of Belarus, Marko Koplimaa; and representatives of the Estonian MFA – Riina Kaljurand, Erika Ellamaa-Ots, and Kärt Juhasoo-Lawrence. Also present were the Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia, Maria Gratschew, representatives of the Tallinn city government, as well as ambassadors and diplomats from Finland, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Moldova, Latvia, France, the USA, Romania, Canada, Ukraine, and other countries.

In her speech, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support and highlighted the historical ties between Belarus and Estonia, as well as their shared struggle for freedom and European values:

“Unfortunately, Estonians know too well what occupation means. You understand what is happening today in the occupied territories of Ukraine, what is happening in Belarus – and who is behind all of this.

That is why we – Belarusians, Estonians, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Latvians, Georgians, Moldovans – must stand together. We must do everything possible to prevent Putin from restoring the Russian Empire – the prison of nations.

Today, Estonia is helping Belarusians and Ukrainians fight against Russian imperialism. After Lukashenka’s violent seizure of power in 2020, Estonia welcomed hundreds of Belarusian political refugees. Many have stayed in Estonia, contributing to the country’s economy, society, and democracy. We are deeply grateful for the helping hand you have extended to us in these difficult times.

I am confident that our mission in Tallinn will bring practical results”.  

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, and Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, are currently on a working visit to London. They held a meeting in the UK Parliament with Shadow Minister Wendy Morton and Labour representative Lord George Foulkes, where they announced an important development. An All-Party Parliamentary Group “For Freedom and Democracy in Belarus” has been officially established in the UK.

Group leadership:

• Chair: Wendy Morton

• Co-Chair: Laurence Turner

• Vice-Chair: Lord Austin of Dudley

• Vice-Chair: Saqib Bhatti

Full list of members:

• Wendy Morton

• Lord Foulkes

• Lord Balf

• Alex Sobel

• James Asser

• Lord Alton

• Lord Austin

• Martin Vickers

• Fabian Hamilton

• Mark Garnier

• Gareth Snell

• Laurence Turner

• Blair McDougall

• Lord Randall

• Lord Peach

• Saqib Bhatti MBE

• Pamela Nash

• Graham Stuart

• Paul Holmes

• Mark Pritchard

• Stephen Gethins

• David Mundell

• Caroline Dinenage

• John Whittingdale

📷 Photo: pixabay.com 

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On March 19, the UN Human Rights Council highlighted the situation in Belarus as a matter requiring its attention yet again. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Belarus presented its latest report, emphasizing the following findings:

• The mission identified new evidence of crimes against humanity.

• Violence against protesters after the 2020 election was a continuation of years of repressive policies.

• Arbitrary detentions, often involving torture or inhumane treatment, remain a primary tool for suppressing dissent.

• Political prisoners face harsher conditions of detention aimed at punishment and humiliation.

• Repression forces Belarusians into exile, where they still face persecution through in-absentia criminal cases.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau: “This UN report is not just another confirmation of Lukashenka’s crimes but a basis for further international action. Belarus remains in the global spotlight, and our joint efforts help document the truth, counter attempts to legitimize repression, and prove that what is happening is a crime – not the new normal”.

Tomorrow, a side event titled “Give a Voice to the Victims: Examining the Widespread Human Rights Violations in Belarus” will take place in Geneva. Organized by the permanent missions of Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and Poland and co-sponsored by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva, the event will focus on widespread human rights abuses, including repression against civil society, political activists, and independent media. The discussion will emphasize the need for accountability and stronger international pressure on the regime.

📷 Photo: Johannes Simon/Getty Images

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Starting from Monday up until Thursday morning European politicians of all committees and political groups were signing individual postcards to Belarusian Political Prisoners. A total number of 846 was collected, the highest number in the history of the project since 2022. 

Nobel Prize winner and political prisoner Ales Bialiatski once said, "A postcard from a friend is a ray of light in a dark prison cell." The representatives of the European Parliament remember about Ales and other heroes of Belarusian and hence — European fight for freedom.

What is #EPStandsBYyou? It is an inter-party initiative of Members of the European Parliament under the auspices of President Roberta Metsola. The project is being conducted in cooperation with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s office and Belarusian democratic forces.

The initiative is about bringing attention to the human rights situation in Belarus, in particular the situation of political prisoners that are being kept by Lukshenka’s regime unlawfully in prisons, under constant terror and in unhuman conditions.

The first edition was organised in December 2022, the second in March 2024 with the third one taken place this week in European Parliaments’ premises in Strasbourg.

The signing was initiated by MEPs Petras Auštrevičius, Renew Europe; Andrzej Halicki, EPP; Helmut Brandstatter, Renew Europe; Mārtiņš Staķis, Greens/EFA; Małgorzata Gosiewska, ECR; Sven Mikser, S&D; Rasa Juknevičienė, EPP; Sandra Kalniete, EPP; Michał Kobosko, Renew Europe; Ondřej Kolář, EPP.

You can find an example of a postcard at the link below.

Files

• 2025_pres_postcard-print-final-01.pdf 

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

In the Minsk Regional Court, Latvian citizen Yurys Ganins was sentenced to six years of medium security imprisonment in a penal colony under three articles of the Criminal Code: "discrediting Belarus" (Articles 369-1 of the Criminal Code), "slandering Lukashenka" (Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code), and "calls for sanctions" (Part 2 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code). Judge Aliaksandr Rybakou handed down the verdict on February 19, but it became known only now.

The essence of the accusation is unknown; the trial took place behind closed doors. The criminal case against a Latvian citizen was considered in court from November 12, 2024, to February 19, 2025.

In total, 36 foreign political prisoners are held behind bars in Belarus, including four Latvian citizens.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

The working group created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration of Poland, dealing with the legalization of Belarusians staying in Poland, has resumed its activities.

The first meeting of the working group recently took place in Warsaw, led by Tomasz Cytrynowicz, Head of the Office for Foreigners of Poland. The Belarusian side was led by Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet. The meeting was also attended by Vitaly Malchanau, Deputy for Social Policy of the Cabinet, Hanna Matyevska, Head of the Partyzanka initiative, and Olga Karpushonak, Delegate of the Coordination Council.

Tomasz Cytrynowicz informed Pavel Latushka that, in the past year, over 48,000 Belarusian citizens had applied for legalization of their stay in Poland. In January 2025 alone, there were more than 4,000 such applications, which, as the Polish representative noted, demonstrates the continued flow of Belarusian citizens seeking to legalize their stay in Poland.

During the meeting, several issues were discussed, including:

Reducing the Processing Time for Legalization Cases for Belarusians in Poland.

Tomasz Cytrynowicz reported that the Polish side is making efforts to shorten the processing time for legalization cases for Belarusians. In the second half of 2025, changes are planned to be introduced to the foreigner law that will allow the introduction of an electronic system for submitting documents for foreigners as part of the legalization procedure. These changes are expected to accelerate the processing of cases, minimize the number of visits required for applicants to the Office for Foreigners of Poland and the Voivodeship Offices, and positively impact the issue of intermediaries. The procedure will involve an electronic form to fill out the application with an electronic signature, followed by submitting fingerprints, providing additional documents (if necessary), and receiving the documents.

Issues Related to the Grounds for Issuing Travel Documents.

The possibility of issuing travel documents to Belarusians was discussed not only in the case of an expired passport or lack of one, but also when the pages for visas and stamps are full or when the passport was issued more than 10 years ago. Tomasz Cytrynowicz supported the need to consider the interpretation of the current legislation that would expand the grounds for issuing travel documents to Belarusians. After analyzing Poland’s current legislation, the Cabinet will send an appropriate response.

Issues Related to the Issuance Period of Travel Documents.

Pavel Latushka suggested considering the possibility of issuing travel documents for more than 1 year, as is currently done. The Polish representative informed that there is an ongoing discussion about amending the legislation to extend the validity period of such documents, but it has not yet been determined how long these documents will be issued in the future.

Issuance of Travel Documents to Belarusian Children.

The issue of issuing travel documents to Belarusian children born in Poland was discussed, particularly when the parents are unable to go to Belarus to arrange a passport for the child. Tomasz Cytrynowicz stated that such cases would be considered individually by the Voivodeship Offices based on the parents' applications.

Source: NAM

On March 6-7, the Alliance of Parliamentary Groups “For a Democratic Belarus” held a conference in Rome. It brought together MPs from 27 countries.

The conference, held in the Italian Parliament, focused on securing the release of political prisoners, supporting independent media and civil society, strengthening Belarusian national identity and culture, and addressing the challenges faced by Belarusians in exile.

At the conclusion of the conference, 30 MPs signed the Rome Declaration, outlining key positions and objectives to support democratic change in Belarus.

The declaration states:

• The ultimate goal is a democratic transition in Belarus through free and fair elections and Belarus’ integration into the European community.

• Lukashenka and his “parliament” are illegitimate. The last election that met OSCE standards took place in 1995. All subsequent “votes”, including the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, were regime-led operations designed to retain power.

• Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya should be recognized as the representative of the Belarusian people. Cooperation should be strengthened with the United Transitional Cabinet, the Coordination Council, Belarusian democratic parties, NGOs, and independent media.

The declaration identifies five key priorities:

1. Ending repression and securing the release of all political prisoners.

2. Facilitating the integration of exiled Belarusians, in line with the Luxembourg Solutions adopted in June 2024.

3. Holding free and fair elections in accordance with OSCE standards.

4. Supporting Belarus’ independent media and civil society.

5. Backing Belarusian anti-war initiatives, as the illegitimate regime has entangled Belarus in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

MPs also reaffirmed their commitment to holding members of the regime accountable for crimes against humanity and their involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Achieving the goal of a future democratic Belarus was the main topic of discussion during a meeting between Deputy Head of the Cabinet Pavel Latushka and the Political Director of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gerard Keown.

In light of global security challenges and the war waged by Russia against Ukraine with the support of the Lukashenko regime, special attention was given to the necessity of considering support for Belarusian society in the development of Europe's future security strategy. Belarusian citizens oppose the war and aspire to live in a democratic, European, and independent state — the Republic of Belarus.

Pavel Latushka requested support from the representative of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically for:

• Independent media and bloggers, ensuring their ability to operate despite ongoing repression.

• Non-governmental organizations, particularly those focused on human rights protection.

Additionally, the meeting covered:

Strategies for pressuring the Lukashenko regime, including:

• Holding Lukashenko and his accomplices internationally accountable for aggression against Ukraine, war crimes related to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, and crimes against humanity against the Belarusian people.

• Expanding and harmonizing sanctions against the regime at the European level.

The situation in Belarus:

• A significant number of political prisoners remain in the country, with repression continuing in full force.

• All independent political parties have been liquidated.

• More than 50% of non-governmental organizations have been shut down.

Gerard Keown emphasized the need to continue pressure on the Lukashenko regime and to support Belarusian democratic forces. He condemned the brutality of the Lukashenko regime and expressed solidarity with the Belarusian people in their fight for democracy, confirming Ireland’s readiness to provide assistance.

The representative of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also supported further strengthening sanctions against the Lukashenko regime. Possible next steps to enhance and increase the effectiveness of sanction pressure were discussed during the meeting.

Pavel Latushka stated:"Ireland has a completely realistic assessment of the Lukashenko regime, which is an ally of Russia in its aggression against Ukraine. Ireland supports and will continue to support stronger sanctions against the regime unless it stops backing the war against Ukraine.

Ireland is also considering ways to support bringing Lukashenko to justice for the crimes he has committed against Belarusians and in relation to the aggression against Ukraine.

We also discussed financial support and assistance for Belarusian civil society. Ireland fully understands the importance and priority of supporting independent media and bloggers. I requested that appropriate funds be allocated. Additionally, we talked about the need for financial support for civil initiatives and human rights organizations".

The representative of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed interest in organizing a special conference in Ireland dedicated to Belarusian culture and its support.

Source: NAM

A group of UN Special Rapporteurs has addressed the regime in Belarus regarding the draft law “On Amendments to Laws on Ensuring Children’s Rights”, which passed its first reading. Under this bill, individuals convicted of “extremist crimes” would be barred from engaging in teaching or holding positions involving regular work with children.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, explains:

“On February 25, 2025, UN Special Rapporteurs expressed serious concern over the new draft law in Belarus, which further tightens repression under the guise of protecting children’s rights.

Key issues with the bill are as follows:

• Teachers, coaches, and caregivers who have ever faced repression would no longer be able to work in their profession.

• The ban applies even if a conviction has been expunged or prosecution was dropped due to the statute of limitations or amnesty.

• Authorities continue to misuse vague terms like ‘extremism’ and ‘terrorism’ to target dissenters.

• This violates international laws that Belarus has officially committed to upholding.

UN has already called for the repeal of this bill and for Belarusian laws to be brought in line with human rights standards”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Summary:

• The human rights situation in Belarus remains challenging. Repressive measures against 2020 protestors and dissidents persist.

• The International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB), an organization Viasna belongs to, has submitted pertinent evidence and meticulous legal analysis to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The submitted materials will be thoroughly reviewed to determine the Court’s jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes against humanity. These crimes include deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts that Belarusian high-ranking officials have committed since May 1, 2020. It has been noted that the Platform’s database contains a wealth of documentation, including more than 29,000 documents related to 2,600 interviewees and over one million archival materials from open sources.

• As of February 28, 2025, there were 1,234 political prisoners (155 of whom were women) in Belarus. During that month, the human rights community recognized 39 people as such and demanded the rehabilitation of 16 former political prisoners whose conviction was reported after their release. Since May 2020, more than 3,776 people have been recognized as political prisoners. As of this writing, 2,542 people, of whom 541 are women, are already at liberty due to the completion of their sentence, release from punishment, or change of restraining order.

• Viasna has registered over 6,560 individuals convicted in politically motivated criminal cases. In February, the number of individuals convicted in January was 89. Of these individuals, 65 were male, and 24 were female. One more person was convicted in absentia in January. This is the minimum number of defendants known to have been convicted. In January, courts heard criminal cases against at least 180 people accused of politically motivated crimes.

• The Viasna Human Rights Center has several members serving sentences in correctional facilities. These include Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) Valiantsin Stefanovic, Uladzimir Labkovich, Marfa Rabkova, volunteer Andrei Chapiuk, and Human Constanta human rights activist Nasta Loika.

• The arbitrary detention of citizens for exercising their civil rights persists. In February 2025, Viasna recorded at least 656 cases of politically motivated repression (including detentions, searches, etc.) stemming from criminal and administrative prosecution. At least 352 individuals were subject to rulings in administrative cases.

• Human rights defenders regularly identify, collect, and file facts of torture and prohibited treatment during politically motivated criminal investigations and the serving of criminal and administrative punishments for prisoners in politically motivated cases.

• The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women has issued a statement regarding the ninth periodic report of Belarus. CEDAW expressed concern over the absence of comprehensive legislation on gender equality and anti-discrimination laws in Belarus. The Committee has observed the severe repression of women’s rights defenders, political activists, and journalists, as well as the inhumane conditions of their detention. CEDAW called for the review of criminal cases and the release of women whose imprisonment threatened their health or lives.

• The Belarusian government has been accused of committing “committed widespread human rights violations against the country’s civilian population, some amounting to crimes against humanity, as part of a brutal effort to quash all opposition to the rule of President Aleksandr Lukashenko.” The UN panel of independent experts on the human rights situation in Belarus has concluded that some of these violations amount to crimes against humanity. 

• Amendments to the Criminal Code took effect, broadening the scope of cross-border prosecution for political reasons.

Politically motivated persecution and political prisoners

Since 2020, at least 8,092 individuals have been subjected to criminal prosecution on political grounds. Politically motivated convictions were handed down to at least 6,673 people. At least 33 individuals were ordered into compulsory treatment by the courts.

Viasna has compiled a report on the most significant developments in repressive practices over the past year. Among the notable trends are the escalating harassment of the LGBTQ+ community, the imposition of forced compensation for donations to civil society organizations, and an increase in the number of in absentia trials.

During February, a minimum of 656 cases of politically motivated repression (including detentions, searches, etc.) stemming from criminal and administrative prosecution were recorded. At least 352 individuals were subject to rulings in administrative cases. In particular, heightened inspections and detentions at border crossings with Belarus persisted. Additionally, reports indicate detentions following the special services gaining access to the chatbot “Belaruski Hajun.” This chatbot had been collecting data regarding the movement of Russian military equipment across the Belarusian territory and other activities related to the invasion of Ukraine.

As of the end of the month, the total number of political prisoners was 1,234. In February, human rights activists recognized 39 people as political prisoners. Additionally, 16 individuals were identified as political prisoners ex post facto upon the disclosure of information regarding their arbitrary detention.

The number of former political prisoners exceeds 2,540 people. On February 1, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was released after her sentence was arbitrarily extended three times under Article 411 of the Criminal Code for persistent disobedience to the demands of the prison administration. On February 12, it was reported that political prisoners Andrei Kuznechyk and Alena Maushuk were released, due to US diplomatic efforts.

Siarhei Tsikhanouski has been held incommunicado for more than 700 days. The political prisoners Maksim Znak, Mikalai Statkevich, Ihar Losik, Viktar Babaryka, Uladzimir Kniha, Mikalai Bankou, Andrei Navitski, Aliaksandr Aranovich, and Aliaksandr Frantskevich are also known to have been held in prolonged incommunicado detention. The complete absence of any information about some of them suggests that they are victims of enforced disappearance. Maryia Kalesnikava was reportedly transferred from solitary confinement to the general population, which may mean the end of incommunicado detention.

Political prisoners continue to be subjected to punishment cell time as a means of pressure. Detention in a punishment cell means a regime of isolation and inhumane conditions. In February, it was revealed that political prisoners Dzianis Ivashyn—reportedly for speaking Belarusian—and Alena Hnauk and Viktoryia Kulsha were placed in a punishment cell. Earlier reports had also indicated that the administration of Women’s Correctional Facility No. 24 had been exerting pressure on the women. Dzianis Salmanovich spent more than two months in the punishment cell from November to February.

There are 53 known political prisoners facing charges of “persistent disobedience to the demands of the prison administration,” which are brought against prisoners for the aggregate of disciplinary penalties (Article 411 of the Criminal Code). At least eight political prisoners continue to serve sentences related to these charges.

A new criminal case has been opened against political prisoner Kiryl Vevel, who was sentenced to three years in prison. He is charged with “participation in an extremist formation.”

At least 37 foreign nationals are among the political prisoners. In February, the criminal trials of Japanese citizen Nakanishi Masatoshi, Armenian citizen Yervand Martirosyan, and Latvian citizen Jurijs Ganins continued.

According to BAJ, political prisoner Andrei Tolchyn, who was released on a pardon in March 2024, was arrested again at the end of 2024. Viasna HRC Homieĺ chapter learned that on December 5, he was sentenced for “distributing extremist content” (Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code). It is known that after serving his time, Andrei was released from the hospital, not from the detention center.

Amnesty Polska launched a campaign in solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners #BiegamDobrze as part of a marathon in Warsaw in March.

Persecution of human rights defenders

Human rights defenders from Viasna, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, Uladzimir Labkovich, Marfa Rabkova, and volunteer Andrei Chapiuk, remain in detention. Nasta Loika, a member of Human Constanta, remains imprisoned.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the sentencing of Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich, Belarusian human rights organizations have issued a joint statement with an appeal to the international community and a demand to the Belarusian authorities to do everything possible to ensure the unconditional release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners in Belarus.

Lack of fair trial in politically motivated cases

Courts continue to aggressively pursue politically motivated convictions, with most criminal cases still involving participating in peaceful protests following the 2020 presidential election. In February, criminal cases against at least 304 defendants stood trial, and at least 352 administrative cases were decided. It should be noted that the authorities are careful to conceal any quantitative data on the extent of politically motivated criminal and administrative prosecutions.

The number of politically motivated trials in absentia is rising, along with a growing trend of using special proceedings against individuals who are not in the public spotlight.

Law No. 61-Z of February 17, 2025, on Amendments to the Codes regarding Criminal Liability introduced changes to the Criminal Code, expanding the range of criminal offenses for which a preliminary investigation can be conducted through special proceedings and a sentence can be passed in absentia. The list has been expanded to include the following offenses: “incitement to racial, national, religious, or other social enmity or discord,” “rehabilitation of Nazism,” “denial of the genocide of the Belarusian people,” “discrediting the Republic of Belarus,” “insulting a public official,” “insulting and slandering the President,” “abuse of state symbols,” “act of terrorism,” “propaganda of terrorism,” “threatening to commit a terrorist act,” “financing or facilitation of terrorist activities,” “receiving training or other preparation for participation in terrorist activities,” “establishing or participating in an organization for terrorist activities,” and “organizing the activities of a terrorist organization and participating in the activities of such an organization.” All of these are mainly used to persecute Belarusians for politically motivated reasons. These innovations are likely to trigger a dramatic expansion of criminal prosecutions in absentia as a means of carrying out cross-border repression against dissenters and opponents of the regime.

Belarusians continue to face massive persecution for any support and expression of solidarity with Ukraine for three years since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As of February 24, 2025, at least 41 people have been convicted of making donations to military volunteers from Belarus fighting on the side of Ukraine. At least 30 people have been convicted of intending to fight on the side of Ukraine. At least 93 people have been convicted of leaking photos and videos of Russian military equipment to the media.

Ukrainians in Belarus have been the target of active persecution since the beginning of the full-scale war. Upon entering Belarus, they are closely searched and interrogated by special services, and some are denied entry without explanation. Some Ukrainians are prosecuted for “agent activity,” “attempted sabotage,” and “espionage.” To date, at least 13 citizens of Ukraine have been convicted in Belarus.

Violation of the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination

The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has issued a statement regarding the ninth periodic report of Belarus. CEDAW expressed concern over the absence of comprehensive legislation on gender equality and anti-discrimination laws in Belarus. The Committee has observed the severe repression of women’s rights defenders, political activists, and journalists, as well as the inhumane conditions of their detention. CEDAW called for the review of criminal cases and the release of women whose imprisonment threatened their health or lives.

The ongoing persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals remains a concern. On February 7, 2025, the Council of Ministers approved amendments to the Law on the Rights of the Child in the first reading. These amendments include strict restrictions on the dissemination of information about LGBTQ+ topics. The proposed changes include prohibiting “propaganda of homosexual relations, sex reassignment, pedophilia, and childlessness.” Information deemed “harmful to the health and development of children” will be labeled by age category. This effectively denies adolescents and young people access to it.

In February, details emerged regarding the legal proceedings against a transgender individual who reportedly experienced mistreatment by law enforcement officers in July 2024.

The reported detention of Dzianis Ivashyn in a punishment cell for using the Belarusian language is an example of linguistic discrimination aimed at displacing national identity and forced Russianisation. This case exemplifies the restrictive policies enacted by the authorities against Belarusian-speaking citizens.

Torture and inhumane treatment 

Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, a former political prisoner released in February from Correctional Facility No. 24, provided insights on the conditions of detention in the facility and the repression of female political prisoners. She highlighted the aggressive tactics employed by the prison administration against political prisoners Viktoryia Kulsha, Alena Hnauk, and Volha Mayorava and confirmed instances of physical abuse against Katsiaryna Bakhvalava.

Nikolai Shugaev, a U.S. citizen who was released in February, lost 20 kilograms of weight during his imprisonment, which demonstrates the harsh and inhumane conditions of imprisonment in detention centers in Belarus.

Viasna interviewed four Belarusians convicted in administrative cases from late 2024 to early 2025, inquiring about the detention conditions for “political” detainees in various cities across Belarus. They described the forced nudity during inspections, administration of injections through “feeders,” and torture by cold in police department cells. They also outlined the methods of torture used by the KGB and the GUBOPiK political police.

The International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB), an organization Viasna belongs to, has submitted pertinent evidence and meticulous legal analysis to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The submitted materials will be thoroughly reviewed to determine the Court’s jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes against humanity. These crimes include deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts that Belarusian high-ranking officials have committed since May 1, 2020. It has been noted that the Platform’s database contains a wealth of documentation, including more than 29,000 documents related to 2,600 interviewees and over one million archives from open sources;

Violation of the freedom of peaceful assembly. Suppression of freedom of expression

The practice of arbitrary detention and imprisonment for expressing opinions and/or participating in mass protests in connection with disagreement with the outcome of the 2020 elections is still in effect.

At least 15 individuals have been convicted of crimes under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organization and preparation of or active participation in actions that grossly disrupt public order). 

Convicting whole families continues to trend. Politically motivated prosecutions often involve entire families or groups of relatives, who are prosecuted primarily under Article 342 of the Criminal Code. On February 24, the Hrodna Regional Court reviewed the criminal case against Leanid and Antanina Tserabeis under five articles of the Criminal Code: part 1 of Article 368 (insulting A. Lukashenka), Article 342 part 1 (active participation in actions that grossly disrupt public order), Article 130 part 1 (inciting other social discord), Article 367 part 2 (slandering A. Lukashenka), and Article 370 (abuse of state symbols). Antanina was sentenced to two years of home confinement. Leanid got three years in prison. The outcome confirms that the Belarusian judiciary lost independence. After the arrest, pro-government channels reported that Antanina would likely receive a non-custodial sentence, but “the head of the family will end up in jail.” 

On February 25, the Kobryn District Court began consideration of the criminal case under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code on charges against two brothers and a couple: Viktar Tsikhanenka and Illia Tsikhanenka, Dzmitriy Kubaretski and Natallia Kubaretskaya. 

It is still not uncommon for individuals to face legal consequences for exercising their right to free speech. For instance, Karyna Pratashchyk, a 29-year-old, was sentenced to two years in prison. The court found her guilty under Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code (calls for actions harming Belarus) for encouraging sanctions.

There are ongoing violations of the principle of publicity as criminal cases continue to be handled in a closed manner.

Thus, on February 25, the Mazyr District Court scheduled the hearing of a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code against Anastasia Akhramenka for “slandering A. Lukashenka”. 

On February 26, the Mazyr District Court began a closed trial for 62-year-old Ihar Shukanau, an informatics and communications laboratory employee at the Mazyr Oil Refinery. He is charged under two articles: part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code for “defaming A. Lukashenka” and part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code for “actively participating in actions that grossly disrupt public order.” On August 1, 2024, Ihar Shukanau was arrested right at his workplace in an exemplary cruel manner: he was taken outside the factory and beaten. The video of the detention was posted on pro-government channels and showed physical injuries in the form of a large hematoma and severed skin above the right eyebrow.

Violation of the rights of journalists, media workers and bloggers 

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, at the end of February 2025, 41 media representatives are behind bars. 

According to RSF and BAJ, 397 journalists have been subjected to 589 unjustified arrests since the start of the 2020 election campaign. Some of them have been detained more than once.

On February 21, Minsk City Court began considering the case against Ihar Ilyash, who is charged with “discrediting Belarus” (Article 369-1 of the Criminal Code) and “promoting extremist activities” (Part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code).

In February, the prosecution in absentia continued. On February 26, the criminal case against Siarhei Biaspalau, a blogger and creator of the “Maja Kraina Belarus” Telegram channel, was scheduled to be considered under special proceedings. He is accused of committing 10 crimes, including those under Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code (calling for sanctions), Part 1 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code (creating or participating in an extremist formation), Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code (slandering A. Lukashenka), Part 2 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code (insulting A. Lukashenka).  

The criminal case against Palina Pitkevich is scheduled for a hearing on March 7. She is accused of committing a crime under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code (creating or participating in an extremist formation). In June 2024, the KGB pointed out Palina Pitkevich’s involvement with the recognized extremist formation MediaIQ, the Press Club media literacy project. The political prisoner, who used to write about culture and help homeless animals, was arrested and detained.

Violation of rights and freedoms under the pretext of combating extremism and terrorism

The Belarusian authorities are using the anti-extremism and anti-terrorism legislation as an instrument of politically motivated persecution for the exercise of civil and political rights.

Authorities added two more to the list of extremist organizations in February. The new entities include the popular online publication Mediazona. Belarus.

In February, 90 individuals were added to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Citizens, or Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities. The list contains the names of 4,990 people in total; some of those who were sentenced for political reasons are not on the list.

In February, the courts issued 141 new rulings on recognizing information products as extremist content. Most of these rulings pertain to protest information resources, books, and songs, which have been added to the relevant list. Among the newly recognized extremist products, a small number are information resources with neo-Nazi content in their publications.

The compilation of lists of individuals involved in extremist and terrorist activities, as well as lists of prohibited information products and extremist organizations, serves as a foundation for repression, persecution, and restrictions on rights.

Thus, in the fall of 2022, political prisoner Aliaksandr Ziyazetdzinau was sentenced to three years of imprisonment under Part 1 of Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code (financing extremist activity) over transferring cryptocurrency to BYPOL. In mid-October 2023, he appeared in a propaganda film revealing that he had made amends for the newly discovered criminal action and had applied for a pardon. However, in February 2024, the Minsk City Court initiated the adjudication of a new criminal case under Part 1 of Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code (financing extremist activity) and Part 2 of Article 290-1 of the Criminal Code (financing of terrorist activities). He was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment by Judge Alena Shylko.

On February 11, the Minsk regional court found 60-year-old political prisoner Natallia Ladutska guilty of “promoting extremist activities” and sentenced her to four years in prison and a fine of $7,345.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Today, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is three years old. In our country, mass persecution for any support for Ukraine and expression of solidarity continues. As of February 24, 2025, at least 41 people in Belarus have been convicted of donating money to Belarusian volunteers. At least 30 people were convicted of intending to fight on the side of Ukraine. At least 93 people were convicted for sharing photos and videos of Russian military equipment with the media. 

Ukrainians in Belarus have been actively persecuted since the outbreak of a full-scale war. Upon entering our country, they are closely examined and interrogated by the security services, and some are not allowed in without explanation. Some Ukrainians are prosecuted for "agent activity," "sabotage attempts," and "espionage." At least 13 Ukrainian citizens have been convicted in Belarus so far.

We present figures on persecution for supporting Ukraine and also recall the high-profile cases where Belarusians and citizens of other countries have been tried over the past year.

Persecution for supporting Ukraine in figures

As of February 24, 2025, at least 209 people, including 38 women, have been convicted in Belarus for supporting Ukraine. 

At least 41 people were convicted of donating money to Belarusian volunteers. Usually, the Belarusian authorities regard donations as "financing a war" and convict Belarusians under Part 2 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code (financing participation in military operations on the territory of a foreign state). The intention to fight on the side of Ukraine is persecuted under Part 1 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code (participation in an armed formation or armed conflict on the territory of a foreign state, military operations, recruitment, or preparation of persons for such participation). At least 30 people were convicted under this article. Belarusians share photos and videos of the movement of Russian military equipment with independent media and initiatives, almost all of which are recognized by the authorities as "extremist formations." Because of this, Belarusians are subject to criminal prosecution for allegedly "facilitating extremist activities" (Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code) or for "creating an extremist formation" (Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code). At least 93 people were tried for this. Also, in connection with the war in Ukraine, people are tried for "treason to the state" (Article 356 of the Criminal Code) and for "an act of terrorism" (Article 289 of the Criminal Code). At least 35 and 24 people were convicted under these articles, respectively.

How Belarusians were persecuted for supporting Ukraine in the previous two years of the war in Ukraine can be read in last year's material here.

High-profile cases involving Belarusians and citizens of other countries

Persecution for any public support of Ukraine or for expressing a negative attitude about the war in the neighboring country continues in Belarus. The reason for the persecution may be the slogan "Glory to Ukraine" or the yellow-blue flag on the profile picture on social media. For this, citizens are subjected to administrative detention or fined. 

In May 2024, event host Yury Kaputski was detained in Brest. He made a post on his Instagram page which said "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!"
This year, in June, a student was detained who wrote in an open Telegram chat about his desire to go to Ukraine and fight against the Russians. Pavel Ivanou, a resident of Viciebsk, was detained in the summer for writing comments in support of Ukraine. 

In May, Katsiaryna Harstsiuchenka, an 18-year-old Ukrainian citizen, was detained at the Belarusian border. The woman was returning from Poland to Belarus. She was detained at the border for a 4-year-old photo on her phone. 

Novalukomĺ pastor Aliaksandr Zaretski was detained on February 22, 2024, for praying for Ukraine. He was punished with administrative detention for 15 days under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code. In March, he was again sentenced to 15 days of detention for allegedly "unauthorized picketing."

In April 2024, political prisoner Aliaksandr Randarenka, a Viciebsk physician, participated in an online chatroulette stream with a provocateur, during which he had a Ukrainian pennant on the table and, among other things, shouted "Glory to Ukraine." The man was sentenced to 75 days of administrative detention, for expressing support for Ukraine among other things. In the winter of the same year, he was sentenced in two criminal cases to 4 years in a penal colony.

Special proceedings have been initiated against eight Kalinoŭski Regiment fighters. They will be tried in absentia

This became known in December 2024. Aliaksei Manchynski, Raman Yeromenka, Pavel Kakhnovich, Yauhen Karankevich, Aliaksandr Piatrouski, Yauhen Salokhin, Yahor Ispiankou, as well as former political prisoner Tsikhan Kliukacha, were charged under several articles of the Criminal Code, including for intending to fight on the side of Ukraine (part 1 of Article 13 and part 1 of Article 361-3).

Kalinoŭski Regiment was recognized as a "terrorist organization"

The relevant decision was made by the Supreme Court of Belarus at the request of Prosecutor General Andrei Shved. This became known on September 25, 2024.

An illustrator from Brest got 6 years in a penal colony for donating to the Kalinoŭski Regiment

Political prisoner Natallia Levaya left for Poland after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, where she worked as a 2D illustrator. And in the winter of 2023, she decided to return to her homeland, where she was detained.

According to the prosecution, Natallia Levaya allegedly transferred about 1,275 euros to "extremist groups," including Kalinoŭski Regiment.

In July 2024, Natallia was sentenced to six years in a general security penal colony in the Brest Regional Court on three criminal counts.

Aliaksandr Verasovich, a 57-year-old Maladziečna resident, was also convicted for donating to the Kalinoŭski Regiment and the BYSOL Solidarity Fund.

In Belarus, the son of a "Wagnerite" who is accused of collaborating with the Freedom of Russia Legion was detained by the FSB

In Russia, 29-year-old Evgeny Ubiraev is accused of collaborating with the Freedom of Russia Legion, which is fighting against the Russian army in Ukraine, SOTAvision reported on February 17, 2025.

On the way from Belarus to Armenia, Ubiraev was detained at the Minsk airport by FSB officers. He is currently in pre-trial detention center-1 in Yekaterinburg.

Belarusians and Ukrainians detained in the case of "preparation of terrorist acts" were convicted

At the end of December 2024, details of the case were revealed, during which three political prisoners were tried: Belarusians Ivan Barodzich and Barys Puhalsky, as well as Ukrainian Ivan Likhalat. Pro-government sources reported that they were sentenced to terms ranging from 11 to 25 years of imprisonment.

Their detention became known on September 11 from a video that was shown on all state channels at the same time. In the video, some of them look beaten and some are being led on chains during investigative actions. One of the detainees was filmed in the KGB pre-trial detention center.

The propagandists claim that initially three of them were tasked with gathering information.

The Mačuliščy airfield attack case: up to 25 years in a penal colony

In February 2023, explosions occurred at the military airfield in Mačuliščy, as a result of which a valuable long-range radar detection aircraft A-50, which was used to aim Russian missiles at targets in Ukraine, was damaged.

According to official authorities and propagandists, the perpetrator of the sabotage Mikalai Shvets was released on exchange with Ukraine in June 2024. Besides Mikalai, Maksim Lapatsin, Andrei Stsiapurka, Aleh Sychou and his wife Anastasiya Pilko, Dzianis Sakalou are involved in the case.

Most of them were tried in absentia: Mikalai Shvets, Aliaksandr Azarau, Ala Yatsuta, Vital Yakutsik, Yauheniya Tachytskaya, Mikhail Dziomin, and Siarhei Loparau.

in August 2024, in the Minsk City Court, all the accused were convicted under 11 articles of the Criminal Code, including "act of terrorism" (Part 3 of Article 289 of the Criminal Code) and "treason to the state" (Part 1 of Article 356 of the Criminal Code). Human rights activists are not aware of all the verdicts in this case. Mikalai Shvets, Aliaksandr Azarau, and Vital Yakutsik received the longest sentences in absentia (25 years each).

A father and son from Ukraine were sentenced to 20 years in a penal colony as "the saboteurs of the Security Service of Ukraine"

In February 2024, a "counter-terrorism operation” regime was declared in the Lieĺčycy district, after which the KGB announced the detention of "terrorists" allegedly sent by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to commit sabotage in Belarus and the Russian Federation. According to the propagandists, citizens of Ukraine Siarhei and Pavel Kabarchuk, and also a resident of Brest Vital Vlasiuk were detained. Explosive devices were allegedly found with them, intended to be used to commit terrorist attacks in Russia and Belarus.

Judge Yauhen Sharshniou sentenced Siarhei and Pavel to 20 years in a penal colony each.

Viachaslau Barodziy and Mikalai Lasouski, Ukrainians, were sentenced to 10 years in a penal colony, and Valiantsina Polaz was sentenced to 9 years in a penal colony

On December 2, 2024, the Homieĺ Regional Court sentenced Viachaslau Barodziy, a citizen of Ukraine, as well as Belarusians Mikalai Lasouski and Valiantsina Polaz. Judge Yauhen Sharshniou found all the defendants in the case guilty and sentenced Barodziy and Lasouski to 10 years in a medium security penal colony, and Polaz to 9 years in a penal colony, BelTA reported.

In total, three people were charged under six articles of the Criminal Code, including "treason against the state” and "agent activity."

Famous martial arts coach was convicted of intending to fight for Ukraine

Political prisoner Mikhail Halinski was detained in June 2024. Initially, he was convicted of "disobeying police officers" and later a criminal case was initiated under Part 1 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code (attempt to participate in a war). The result of the trial is unknown to human rights defenders.

Mikhail Halinski is one of the most famous Chinese martial arts coaches. Mikhail's students have won international wushu competitions.

A political prisoner is being tried, detained on suspicion of collaborating with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Pavel Churkin, a resident of Mahilioŭ, was sentenced to one year in a penal colony in 2021 for "insulting Lukashenka" (Article 368 of the Criminal Code). Pavel served his sentence in full and was released on May 24, 2022.

In early April 2024, it became known that Pavel was detained on suspicion of collaborating with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Pavel is now accused of "treason against the state" (Part 1 of Article 356 of the Criminal Code), as well as of "preparing to participate in an armed formation or armed conflict on the territory of a foreign state" (Part 1 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code). The result of the trial is unknown to human rights defenders.

A poker player was sentenced to 5 years in a penal colony for supporting Ukraine

Mikhail Fando, a political prisoner from Barysaŭ, studied at the Belarusian State University and lived in Minsk. Mikhail is a poker enthusiast who participated in many championships, including the Belarusian one.

In the autumn of 2024, Mikhail was sentenced to five years in a penal colony in the Minsk City Court under Part 2 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code (financing or other material support of the war).

55-year-old political prisoner Zhanna Dashkevich was convicted for supporting Ukraine

On September 9, Zhanna Dashkevich was convicted in the Minsk Regional Court under Part 3 of Article 361-1 (participation in an extremist formation) and Part 2 of Article 361-3 (financing participation in an armed formation or armed conflict on the territory of a foreign state) of the Criminal Code. The result of the trial is unknown to human rights defenders. She was probably convicted for supporting Ukraine.

Zhanna has two adult children — a daughter and a son — and at least three grandchildren. The woman was engaged in network marketing, advised on proper nutrition, and arranged psychological sessions.

A political prisoner from Minsk was convicted for donating money to help Ukraine

On July 30, the Minsk City Court convicted political prisoner Alina Khmialeuskaya under Part 2 of Article 361-3 (financing participation in military operations on the territory of a foreign state) and Article 361-2 (financing the activities of an extremist group [the article is no longer in effect — editor's note]). The essence of the charges is unknown to human rights defenders, but usually, the first article is used in Belarus to persecute for supporting Ukraine in the war. Judge Yauhen Khatkevich handled the case.

A political prisoner and IT specialist was convicted of "financing a war"

Nadzeya Karankevich is 29 years old. In 2016, she graduated from Minsk State Linguistic University as a teacher of foreign languages. Nadzeya worked as a translator for over a year and then became a tester. The woman was detained in November 2023.

On August 2, Nadzeya was convicted in the Minsk City Court for "financing the activities of an extremist group" (Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code) and "financing a war" (Part 2 of Article 361-3). Judge Aliaksandr Rudenka handled the case.

The case of military doctor Rico Krieger

In July 2024, the media reported that on June 24, a Red Cross military doctor, a German citizen, appeared in the Minsk Regional Court. Rico Krieger was sentenced to death by firing squad. The German was convicted under six serious criminal articles, among which were "an act of terrorism" (Part 3 of Article 289 of the Criminal Code) and "agent activity" (Article 358-1 of the Criminal Code).

According to Viasna, Rico Krieger was found guilty of "arranging an explosion in order to influence decision-making by authorities, intimidate the population, destabilize public order (an act of terrorism) arranged by a person who had previously committed a crime under Part 4 of Article 295 of the Criminal Code, as an organized group, that is, committing a crime under Part 3 Article 289 of the Criminal Code". On the basis of this, Krieger was sentenced to the death penalty ( execution by firing squad).

Human rights activists also learned that the case of the German citizen concerns the Kalinoŭski Regiment, namely its structural unit: the foreign mechanized Western unit.

It is known that on July 30, Rico Krieger applied for pardon to Lukashenka. On August 1, he was released as part of a prisoner exchange between the United States, Russia, Germany, and Belarus.

A Ukrainian citizen was sentenced to six years in a penal colony in Brest for alleged "agent activity"

On May 15, the Brest Regional Court heard a criminal case against Artsiom Makavei, a citizen of Ukraine. The 25-year-old DJ was accused of "agent activity" under Article 358-1 of the Criminal Code. The case was handled by Judge Mikalai Sianko. It is not known what the essence of the charges is, since the trial was held behind closed doors.

Most likely, Artsiom Makavei was detained on January 27, 2023, at his home in Kobryn.

Artsiom has Ukrainian citizenship, but he has lived in Belarus since 2009.

He was sentenced to 10 years in a penal colony for "cooperation with the Ukrainian special services."

On April 29, 2024, a propaganda film Children in the Crosshairs. Recruited by the Enemy was released on the state TV channel ONT. It showed the detention of seven teenagers for "cooperation with the Ukrainian special services". Some of them are accused of "terrorism" and "treason against the state"

The film said that six teenagers allegedly united in the Black Nightingales anarchist cell, which "under the leadership of the National Liberation Army of Ukraine" was created by a 16-year-old citizen of Ukraine Maryia Misiuk. Among those detained are college students in Baranavičy, Niasviž, Mir, Minsk, and Luninec.

On September 19, 2024, in the Mahilioŭ Regional Court, one of the young men, political prisoner Herasim Daniil, was sentenced to 10 years in a penal colony under three criminal articles, including "treason to the state" (Article 356 of the Criminal Code).

Political prisoner Halina Krasnianskaya was sentenced to 5 years in a penal colony for donating money to Ukraine

A 67-year-old woman was accused of making donations to Belarusian military units fighting on the side of Ukraine against Russian aggression (Part 2 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code).

Halina lived in Sweden for a long time. She was one of the founders of the official community of the Belarusian diaspora and actively participated in its life. At the same time, she returned to Belarus to her relatives every now and then. During one of these visits, probably in the spring of 2023, she was detained in Minsk.

In the winter of 2024, Minsk City Court sentenced Halina to 5 years of imprisonment under Part 2 of Article 361-3 of the Criminal Code.

A Belarusian-speaking teacher was also convicted of donating money to Ukraine. 23-year-old Darya Khmialnitskaya is from Minsk. After high school, she entered the Belarusian State University, majoring in Oriental philology, and studied Chinese.

In the Minsk City Court in April, Darya was sentenced to five and a half years in a penal colony under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in actions grossly violating public order) and Part 2 of Article 361-3 (financing participation in military operations on the territory of a foreign state). Darya was released in the winter of 2024 on a pardon.

The KGB detained 12 people in the Drahičyn district for helping Ukraine.

The detentions were reported in April 2024 on the state TV. It was alleged that residents of the Drahičyn district helped the SBU by taking explosives and making caches on the territory of Belarus. The propagandists mentioned the names of some of the detainees: Dzmitry Kapuza, Uladzimir Kapuza, Volha Kapuza, Aliaksandr Kapuza, Yauhen Hruk, Viktar Yaskich, Lidziya Hruk.

A case was initiated against the detainees under Article 289, Part 3 of the Criminal Code (act of terrorism as part of a group).

A Ukrainian citizen was accused of espionage and sentenced to 9 years in a penal colony

Supposedly on March 5, the Homeĺ Regional Court sentenced citizen of Ukraine and political prisoner Natallia Zakharanka and her friend Larysa Krupa in a closed session. Zakharanka was accused of espionage for Ukraine under Article 358 of the Criminal Code, and her friend was accused of misprision (Part 2 of Article 406 of the Criminal Code). The case was handled by Judge Anatol Sotnikau.

This story was made public at the beginning of July 2023, when a resident of Chernihiv, Natallia Zakharanka, disappeared on her way to Mazyr, where her sister lives. Before the beginning of the Russian aggression, entrepreneur Natallia often traveled to Homieĺ to trade on a local market.

As reported by the Ukrainian media, Natallia was a volunteer: after the outbreak of the war, she transported Ukrainian refugees to the EU and Belarus and transferred documents and medicines.

A young cadet was sentenced to 15 years in a penal colony for intending to fight for Ukraine

On August 14, 2024, in the Hrodna Regional Court, political prisoner Illia Naryshkin, a cadet of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was sentenced to 15 years in a medium security penal colony.

He was found guilty under Part 1 of Article 361-3 (participation or training of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus in military operations on the territory of a foreign state without state authorization) and Part 2 of Article 356 (treason to the state) of the Criminal Code.

Political prisoner Aliaksandr Darahakupets was sentenced to 5.5 years in a penal colony for donations

Aliaksandr, a systems engineer, was charged under five criminal articles with transferring funds to various "extremist groups," including the Kalinoŭski Regiment.

As a result, in January 2025, the Brest Regional Court sentenced Aliaksandr, a 44-year-old resident of Ivanava, to five years and six months of imprisonment.

Case of "preparation of a terrorist attack on Victory Day": 5 convicts

In August 2024, five people were convicted in a high-profile case for "preparing a terrorist attack on Victory Day under the supervision of Kyiv": 25-year-old Valer Vodzin (in absentia), Andrei Hryhoryeu, 30-year-old Viktoryia Volchak, 25-year-old Hanna Savachkina, and her mother Tatsiana Rusak. All were accused, among other things, of "treason to the state" (Part 1 of Article 356 of the Criminal Code) and "act of terrorism" (Part 2 of Article 289 of the Criminal Code). Valer Vodzin was sentenced to 20 years in a penal colony in absentia on five criminal counts. 

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Vilnius with ambassadors and heads of missions from 25 countries accredited in Lithuania. The now-traditional meeting with the diplomatic corps was organized by the Embassy of Poland, which currently holds the EU Presidency.

The discussions during the briefing covered:

• The situation of political prisoners in Belarus and the efforts to secure their release;

• The military and political situation in the region;

• Potential negotiations on Ukraine;

• Support for independent media;

• Challenges faced by Belarusians in exile.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya shared the outcomes of the Munich Security Conference and the World Economic Forum, outlined the plans of the democratic forces, and expressed gratitude to diplomats and the international community for their solidarity and support. She also thanked the new United States administration for its efforts in securing the release of political prisoners.

On the release of political prisoners

“We have all heard discussions about the possible release of political prisoners in exchange for the suspension of some US sanctions. In this context, we must view sanctions as a tool. If the regime truly releases political prisoners and stops repression, some US sanctions could be eased or suspended – but not lifted. If repression continues and intensifies, sanctions must become even stricter. Meanwhile, all European sanctions must remain unchanged until the situation changes”.

On the ongoing repression

“Unfortunately, the repression machinery continues to operate against Belarusians both inside the country and beyond its borders. The regime is now targeting the families of those in exile, including relatives of people who took part in solidarity rallies following this year’s sham election. The regime is also increasingly arresting foreign nationals to use them as bargaining chips. Diplomatic mission staff and citizens of several countries remain in prison – they are the regime’s hostages”.

On the results of the sham election

“Regarding the so-called ‘election’, I want to thank each of your governments for refusing to recognize this farce. For the first time, this non-recognition came even before election day as the Lukashenka regime didn’t even attempt to imitate competition or vote counting. The regime failed to legitimize itself – neither in the eyes of Belarusians nor the international community. This farce changes nothing for the world or for us. We continue working to achieve a change in our country, preserve our independence, and protect Belarusians’ interests”.

On negotiations regarding Ukraine

“The negotiations are not just about Ukraine. They affect the entire region: Belarus, Moldova, and the security of all of Europe. The issue of Belarus must be included in the discussions. And if we are not present at the table, we hope that your governments and the European Union will be our voice. That is why we advocate for the European Union to be part of the negotiations”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

In the first month and a half of 2025, several dozen people were detained upon their return to Belarus. Several people can be removed from one scheduled bus from Lithuania or Poland at once. "Extremist" reposts and subscriptions on social media, photos from protests in cloud storage, donations, and Google search history may become a reason for the detention. Additional checks at the border are also targeted at people who were previously detained at protests and were included in the BESporiadki database, and those who have not lived in Belarus for a long time.

In early February, it became known that six people were detained from one scheduled bus at once. All the detainees were placed in a temporary detention facility in the city nearest to the customs before the trial, after which some were sentenced to several days of detention. Usually, people who are detained at a checkpoint are tried for "spreading extremist materials" (Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code). The exception may be those who are detained by the KGB. In this case, if the interrogation takes place in Minsk, a report is drawn up against them for "minor hooliganism" (Article 19.1 of the Administrative Code), or they are immediately placed in a pre-trial detention center as part of a criminal case.

Viasna is aware of cases where a person has crossed borders many times over the past few years and has never faced additional checks; during their stay in Belarus, they were not detained; but as a result, when they tried to enter Belarus, immediately after passport control they were detained. Therefore, it is worth noting that the situation is constantly changing and there are no guarantees that a person who previously entered and left without problems will not come to the attention of the security forces due to some new facts of their protest activity in the past.

Detention after returning to Belarus does not necessarily take place immediately at the border. The security forces come for some of them after a few days, or they call and ask the latter to come for a conversation.

In addition, interrogations of Ukrainians who come to Belarus continue at the border. Conversations last from a few minutes to several hours. Therefore, scheduled buses have to wait for several hours for their return.

BYSOL recently announced increased checks at the border when leaving the country.

In addition, we remind you that the security forces are monitoring participants in Belarusian solidarity actions taking place abroad. In late January, the Prosecutor General's Office announced that it had "identified 365 participants in the protests abroad." They are going to bring all of them to criminal responsibility in special proceedings. Most of those identified are from Warsaw (203 people). The agency also mentioned that they would search for property in Belarus belonging to participants of the protests, "including property registered under other individuals". It is known that in previous years, the security forces have already brought participants in foreign actions to administrative responsibility.

What does border detention look like?

A former prisoner from Akrescina came under persecution after returning from abroad from the European Union at the end of 2024. After passport control at one of the Belarusian checkpoints, she was removed from the bus. According to her, the detentions upon returning to Belarus are not isolated.

"There's a lot of such stories: I was removed from the bus. I was detained by the KGB — there are also many such stories. There were three of us in the first temporary detention facility cell. Everything was okay, no one was beating us or twisting our arms. It just took a long time.

When you go through border control, they probably check you in some bases, since everything was clear from the expression on the customs officer's face. She smiled in a way that I immediately realized that everything was bad. I wasn't on any lists before, because I had entered the country and there had never been any checks.

They asked what we did abroad, where we went, who we talked to. They checked correspondence. They found a phrase in the messages of one girl: 'Let's meet, I'll give you the money.' It's just that her friend passed some money for her mother through that girl. And they asked what kind of money. That is, 'financing from abroad' is a red rag for them. And for any mention of contacts, money, or transfers, they start shouting: 'You're going to jail for 25 years.'"

Pay attention! Human rights activists remind you that persecution in Belarus has been taking place daily for almost five years. If you have been socially and politically active since 2020 to this day: you took part in protests in Belarus and abroad, left comments on social media, donated to support victims in Belarus or Ukraine, were active in a neighbourhood chat, which you left a long time ago, once posted a new music video on Facebook of your favourite Belarusian band whose songs have been recognized as extremist, the risks of persecution upon return to Belarus are very high. Please take care of your safety, and do not forget about your relatives and friends whose messages or photos from the protests can be found on your phone.

Considering this, human rights activists recommend, first of all, to be vigilant: to consider individual risks when deciding to return to Belarus and to use safety rules. If the risks of return are high, it is better not to return to the country at all. If something happens, friends and relatives should be warned so that they can share information with independent media or human rights defenders, as well as use legal advice.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

During the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk.

She handed over documents from Belarusian human rights defenders regarding the latest wave of repression, the situation in prisons, and lists of political prisoners in critical condition. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the situation is catastrophic and requires immediate intervention.

She called on the High Commissioner to support humanitarian releases, the cessation of the “incommunicado” isolation practice, and to ensure access to detainees.

Tsikhanouskaya also shared information on the successful release of two political prisoners in coordination with the United States and the wave of humanitarian releases that took place at the end of last year.

Additionally, Tsikhanouskaya submitted a document outlining proposed steps for the release of political prisoners and the cessation of repression, urging for more decisive actions in this regard.

The planned presentation in March of the report by a group of independent UN experts on the human rights situation in Belarus was also discussed. The report documents evidence of crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko’s regime against the people of Belarus.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern Europe: 

“Today in Vilnius, I met with Christopher W. Smith. Yesterday, Mr. Smith was in Minsk on a ‘special mission’ to secure the release of our political prisoners, Alena Maushuk and Andrei Kuznechyk, as well as a US citizen.

I expressed my gratitude to Mr. Smith for his efforts, cooperation, and coordination with my Office, and I conveyed my appreciation to President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio – because it was their political will that made this possible.

I am pleased that we are building a relationship of trust with the new US administration, and yesterday, we saw practical results of this cooperation. Christopher Smith assured me that the regime made these releases unilaterally, with no concessions from the American side.

We discussed the next steps for securing the release of other political prisoners. Our goal is clear – to ensure that everyone is freed and that repression is stopped. This is a necessary condition for a national dialogue to begin. And I see that the United States is willing and ready to support us in this effort.

Mr. Smith and I also discussed other key issues: the continuation of the Strategic Dialogue and international cooperation, especially in the context of the ongoing negotiations regarding Ukraine. Belarus must not become a ‘consolation prize’ for Russia, and we must do everything possible to keep Belarus out of the war”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The newly appointed President of the European Council, António Costa, met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Brussels, reaffirming full support for the democratic forces and the people of Belarus.

He emphasized that the EU does not recognize Lukashenka’s fraudulent election and will continue to increase pressure on the regime. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the EU for its efforts to support Belarusians and hold the regime accountable.

The parties discussed:

• Belarus’ role in Ukraine negotiations. They agreed that Belarus must not be sidelined in international talks. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that democratic Belarus is a key element in European security.

• Aid for independent media & repressed Belarusians. They explored ways to strengthen support for independent voices to continue their work both inside Belarus and in exile.

• Political prisoner release efforts. They discussed using UN mechanisms, including humanitarian channels, to secure the release of political prisoners.

• EU cooperation with Belarus’ democratic forces. They agreed to continue EU-Belarus Consultative Group meetings, keep Belarus on the European Council’s agenda, and simplify visa procedures for Belarusians.

Accountability for the regime. They emphasized that Lukashenka’s crimes against Belarusians and Ukrainians must not go unpunished.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB) has submitted evidence and legal analyses to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to inform its preliminary examination into whether it has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes against humanity, including deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts, committed by Belarusian senior officials since 1 May 2020.

The IAPB Communication, submitted on 31 January 2025, presents factual and legal analyses of evidence gathered by the IAPB through interviews with witnesses and victims as well as open-source materials available in the IAPB’s collection. It follows Lithuania’s referral of the situation in Belarus to the ICC Prosecutor on 30 September 2024, which 13 human rights organisations, including the IAPB, called on other ICC State Parties to join.

“The referral by Lithuania to the ICC marks an important milestone in the path to justice for victims of crimes against humanity in Belarus,” said Andrea Huber, Head of the IAPB. “Thanks to the resilience and courage of Belarusian victims and human rights defenders, and an IAPB team determined to make a difference we were able to provide substantive information and evidence to inform the examination of the ICC Prosecutor.”

The IAPB’s Communication based on Article 15(2) of the Rome Statute comprises factual findings, including on civilian protests and state response, ill-treatment during protests, arrests, house searches and in detention, other fundamental rights violations, forced civilian departures from Belarus, and human rights violations after departure from Belarus. Legal analysis on jurisdictional issues, the underlying acts of alleged crimes against humanity and the admissibility of the case were also submitted alongside relevant annexes on detention facilities and state structures in Belarus.

The IAPB, a consortium of Belarusian and international NGOs created in 2021, has been collecting, consolidating, verifying and preserving evidence of gross violations of human rights constituting crimes under international law allegedly committed by Belarusian authorities in the run-up of the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath. The IAPB’s database contains over 29,000 documents related to 2,600 Interviewees and over one million of archived open-source records.

In addition to this Communication to the ICC, the IAPB has provided evidence, information and analytical products to five States, UN accountability mechanisms and the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, and has collaborated with lawyers and civil society organisations with the aim of holding perpetrators of international crimes accountable and securing justice and redress for Belarusian survivors.

“In addition to a possible investigation by the International Criminal Court, there remains a pressing need to combat impunity also through national investigations and prosecutions under the principle of universal jurisdiction to ensure that justice is served,” said Huber.  “The Accountability Platform stands ready to provide evidence and analysis to national prosecutors who investigate international criminal law violations in Belarus.”

Click to download the press statement 

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

During her visit to Albania, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Erion Veliaj. The Mayor of Tirana spoke about the city’s initiatives to support Belarusians and Belarusian IT companies and emphasized that Tirana and Albania are open to all those persecuted by the Lukashenka regime.

Mr. Veliaj and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya agreed on:

• Rehabilitation for political prisoners’ children. In the summer of 2025, Tirana will host 50 Belarusian children for rest and recovery.

• Internships. Around 10-20 Belarusians will have the opportunity to intern at local government institutions and the Tirana City Hall.

• Launch of an educational program. It will be available for Belarusian students at the College of Europe in Tirana. Additionally, scholarships will be announced for studying at POLIS University.

• Cooperation with the Pact of Free Cities. A partnership memorandum has been signed between the alliance of cities and the democratic forces of Belarus to train specialists in local governance.

• International Human Rights Film Festival. This fall, Belarusian documentary filmmakers will be invited to participate.

• Day of Solidarity with Belarus. On March 25, dedicated events will be held in Tirana in support of Belarusians.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am truly grateful to Tirana for its hospitality and solidarity. Political prisoners’ children will have the chance to recover, young professionals will gain internship opportunities, and students will have access to education. Albania, as a country that has overcome dictatorship, understands how crucial broad support is on the path to freedom and democracy”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Belarusian security service, KGB, has added stand-up comedian Slava Kamisaranka to its list of individuals accused of “terrorist activities.” The decision was made on February 4 following a trial in absentia, which resulted in a six-year prison sentence for the comedian.

In December 2024, Kamisaranka was convicted of defamation, insulting Lukashenka, and “inciting hatred”—charges based on his satirical performances about the Belarusian leader. He was forced to leave Russia in 2021 after facing threats of persecution from the Belarusian regime.

Kamisaranka is currently on a European tour, continuing to perform despite the regime’s repression. The fact that humor is treated as a crime by the de facto occupied Belarusian authorities highlights the extent of their efforts to silence dissent.

According to the human rights organization Viasna, there are now 1,234 people on the KGB’s “terrorist list,” more than 500 of whom are Belarusians. 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

On January 26th 2025, so-called “presidential elections” were held in Belarus, during which Lukashenko once again illegally seized power.

The electoral commissions were made up exclusively of regime supporters, and independent observation was banned; the results of these “elections” were predetermined and known in advance. 

Around 2 million Belarusians living abroad have been denied the right to vote. To participate in the elections, they were told they had to return to Belarus.

In response, protests and demonstrations against the sham elections took place in numerous cities and countries around the world. 

The "Lukashenka in the Shredder" campaign, organized by the People’s Embassies of Belarus, was held in Ljubljana, Warsaw, Nice, Tel Aviv, Sacramento, Tallinn, Bologna, Cologne, Stockholm, Austria (Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt), London, Charlotte. Members of the Coordination Council also joined the initiative.

In Vilnius, Brussels, and Philadelphia protestors symbolically shredded ballot papers featuring Lukashenko’s  image.

In Warsaw, during a march, Belarusians carried an enormous 330-meter-long white-red-white flag through the streets of the city.

Protests and events also took place in Kiev, Vilnius, Chicago, Prague, Wroclaw, Klaipeda, Bialystok, Riga, Switzerland, Lublin, Berlin, and many other cities and countries worldwide. 

Thanks to each and every one of you who refuses to give up and keeps fighting - the voices of Belarusians abroad are loud and unignorable!

They resonate in democratic countries, strengthening international support. They inspire and uplift free-spirited Belarusians inside Belarus, keeping the whope for change alive. And they strike fear into the regime and its enablers, serving as a reminder that justice is inevitable. 

Long live Belarus! 

Source: Belarusians Abroad

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) held a debate on "The urgent need for free and fair elections in Belarus." Following the discussions, PACE unanimously adopted a resolution on non-recognition of the latest presidential elections in Belarus.

“The so-called elections organised in Belarus on 26 January 2025 do not meet the minimum international standards for democratic elections and lack any democratic credibility, and there are no grounds for recognising the legitimacy of Aliaksandr Lukashenka as president,” the PACE said today at the end of an urgent debate on ‘The urgent need for free and fair elections in Belarus’.

The Assembly therefore called on Council of Europe member States to reject the legitimacy of these elections, “to make clear their non-recognition of the election of Aliaksandr Lukashenka to the post of President of Belarus” and “take decisive steps to broaden and intensify targeted sanctions against the regime and those who support its unlawful activities.”

The resolution adopted, based on the report prepared by Ryszard Petru (Poland, ALDE), also calls on member States to “continue and intensify support for the structures of the Belarusian democratic forces,” led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, “maintain and expand efforts to investigate human rights abuses” and “actively support mechanisms that ensure accountability for those responsible”, as well as “explore measures to facilitate entry and stay in safe and dignified conditions” for Belarusian citizens who flee the Lukashenka regime.

The Assembly welcomed the establishment of a representative delegation of Belarusian democratic forces to the PACE, present today in the hemicycle. Addressing the parliamentarians, Angelika Melnikova, member of the delegation and Speaker of the Coordination Council, said this was “a crucial motivation for us and a clear signal of your support to all of us in our struggle for freedom”.

She recalled that there are “over 1 200 political prisoners, at least seven of whom have been tortured to death; all eleven opposition parties have been outlawed; more than 1 800 NGOs and all independent media have been liquidated; at least 300 000 Belarusians have been forced into exile and all our citizens abroad are now deprived of their voting rights”.

“Democracy will prevail only when justice is served. The Belarusian people are a European nation. Our history and culture are an integral part of Europe's historical heritage. But it's equally important for us to be a part of Europe's future”, she concluded.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

On January 26, Belarus witnessed yet another political farce designed to “re-elect” “Lukashenka. For over 30 years, he has clung to power by sustaining a regime built on mass repression and human rights violations. Following the rigged 2020 election and the brutal crackdown on peaceful protests, the regime in Belarus lost its legitimacy not only among Belarusians but also within the international community. As a result, the January 26 sham election is just another occasion for democratic countries and international organizations to condemn the regime.

Below is a list of countries and organizations that have officially rejected the so-called “election” (the list is relevant as of 14:00 GMT, January 30, and will be updated):

🌍 Countries:

•  🇺🇸 United States – Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State; International Republican Institute. Congressman Bil Kiting;

• 🇵🇱 Poland – Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Speaker of the Senate.

• 🇺🇦 Ukraine – Heorhii Tykhyi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Statement by the group “For a Democratic Belarus”.

• 🇳🇱 Netherlands – Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• 🇱🇹 Lithuania – President Gitanas Nausėda; Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• 🇩🇪 Germany – Robin Wagener, Coordinator at the Federal Foreign Office. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ananala Burbak;

• 🇨🇿 Czech Republic – Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament.

• 🇪🇪 Estonia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

• 🇮🇸 Iceland – Signature on the Joint OSCE Ministerial Council Statement.

• 🇱🇻 Latvia – Parliamentary resolution. Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• 🇳🇴 Norway – Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• 🇫🇷 France — Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• 🇨🇦 Canada — Global Affairs;

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom;

🏢 International organizations, institutions, and political figures:

• European Parliament.

• 37 members of the OSCE Ministerial Council.

• UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights.

• OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

• European External Action Service.

• European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament.

• OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

• International Democracy Union.

• Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

• Joint Statement by Nordic Baltic Foreign Ministers on Belarus.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Last week, a delegation from the Coordination Council of Belarus took part in the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The primary objective during the first days was to establish bilateral cooperation with all political groups within PACE.

The delegates held meetings with SOC – Socialists, Democrats, and Greens, EPP/CD – the European People’s Party Group, EC/DA – the European Conservatives and Democratic Alliance Group, ALDE – the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, and UEL – the Group of the Unified European Left.

During these meetings, Coordination Council Speaker and member of the “Latushka Team and the Movement ‘For Freedom’” faction, Anzhalika Melnikava, emphasized the importance of democratic changes in Belarus to ensure genuine regional security and achieve peace in the region. She also noted that the Coordination Council, as a representative body of democratic forces and civil society, would contribute to the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in achieving this goal by utilizing the tools available within PACE.

The leader of the “Latushka Team and the Movement ‘For Freedom’” faction, Pavel Latushka, highlighted a key priority during his presentation—the necessity for Council of Europe member states and their parliaments to assist in holding Lukashenka accountable through the mechanisms of the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people.

The PACE session was also attended by the head of the delegation, Aliaksandra Mamaeva (“European Choice”), Margaryta Vorykhava (“Youth Offensive”), Valer Matskevich (“European Choice”), and Pavel Terashkovich (“Our Cause / Belarusian Christian Democrats”). 

Source: Coordination Council

The expert election* 2025 observation mission was organized by the Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Viasna Human Rights Center as part of the "Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections" campaign. The mission collects and analyzes information about the election campaign based on open sources and messages from voters from Belarus.

CONCLUSIONS

• the 2025 elections*, fully controlled by the authorities, including the campaigning stage, are taking place in a repressive climate, in a purged political and information field (see previous reports of the "Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections" campaign);

• as part of the campaigning phase, there should have been a political race between the presidential candidates, but in a situation of simulated competition (most candidates did not position themselves as a real alternative to A. Lukashenka, but rather campaigned for him, which is well reflected in the statement of S. Syrankou: "Not against, but together"), the actions of all candidates, except for A. Lukashenka, who used the administrative resource, were almost invisible to a wide audience;

• the requirements of the electoral legislation to ensure the publication of election programs and the provision of airtime on state radio and television were fulfilled, but it is impossible to speak of equality of candidates in the use of the media; formally, televised debates were held (A. Lukashenka, as always, refused to participate in them). Some speeches of the candidates (A. Haidukevich, S. Syrankou) contained signs of inciting hatred, prohibited by Article 47 of the Electoral Code;

• the election campaigning took place in unequal conditions: the administrative and propaganda resources of the power vertical, pro-government public organizations, and state media were involved in support of A. Lukashenka. We can identify several mechanisms of such abuse: 1) using the administrative and information capabilities attached to the office of the president as part of campaigning by A. Lukashenka; 2) actions within the framework of the Marathon of Unity and the promotion of the slogan "Time has chosen us!"; 3) Needs to Be Done! campaign (flash mob); 4) information about the elections in general, used for covert campaigning in favor of A. Lukashenka; 5) meetings of A. Lukashenka's proxies, many of whom are officials, with representatives of labor collectives of state-owned enterprises and institutions, including during working hours;

• the deliberately blurred line between fulfilling government duties and campaigning allowed A. Lukashenka to combine official visits, meetings, and trips with actual campaigning, using the privileges of extensive information services provided to a president at public expense; the decision to raise pensions by A. Lukashenka, in his official capacity as president, during elections can be considered as vote-buying and is a form of abuse of state resources;

• the Marathon of Unity, a large-scale propaganda campaign that lasted for 4 months, was funded by the state (the estimated expenses are more than 3.5 million rubles [more than 1 million euros]) and was essentially the election campaign of A. Lukashenka. The slogan of the election campaign of A. Lukashenka: "Time has chosen us!" was promoted through the ABPA, the Marathon of Unity, the daily "historical" TV project Time Has Chosen Us! on the Belarus 1 TV channel;

• imitation of political activity and broad support, as well as additional resources for campaigning, were received by A. Lukashenka thanks for the Needs to Be Done! flash mob, which was presented as a spontaneous campaign of support for A. Lukashenka, but had signs of an organized event, moreover, an event where people were forced to participate;

• just as in the 2024 elections*, educational and awareness-raising events about the elections have replaced the genuine political process. But even in such "general" words about the importance of elections and the obligation of voters to participate in elections (with a continuing focus on early voting), there is room for indirect campaigning for A. Lukashenka (statements about the correctness of the "chosen course" and the need to support the "national leader");

• in the absence of independent observers and sufficient transparency in the process of inflows and expenditures in the electoral funds of candidates, it is impossible to carry out full-fledged monitoring of the financial side of the elections. At the same time, the officially declared expenses of all candidates (including A. Lukashenka) are significantly below the established limit of 420,000 rubles [122,389 euros]. Even the amount spent from the fund of A. Lukashenka (92,032 rubles [26,818 euros]) is clearly not enough to launch a full-fledged campaign across the country.

Files

• report_2025_campaigning_en.pdf (0.71 Mb)

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Summary:

• Authoritative international organizations have established gross violations of human rights and crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian authorities.

• By the conclusion of 2024, the Viasna Human Rights Center has documented 6,550 individuals sentenced to various forms of penal sanctions due to their involvement in politically motivated cases. 1,380 of these individuals were female. In the past year, 1,721 individuals have been convicted, including 480 women.

• At the end of December 2024, Belarus had 1,265 political prisoners, including 168 women. Since the summer of 2020, the human rights community has identified 3,697 individuals as political prisoners, 680 of whom are women.

• Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is detained in a correctional facility.

• According to Viasna, at least 8,895 individuals experienced various forms of repression related to criminal or administrative prosecution during the previous year, including arrests, interrogations, and searches. A quarter of the repressed were women. The courts issued at least 5,890 administrative rulings.

• Political prisoners are subjected to particularly harsh conditions, stringent oversight, and restrictions that are not provided for by law. Consequently, many political prisoners are subjected to disciplinary deprivation of privileges such as care packages, including ones containing medicines, and visits from family members, spouses, and legal counsel. Furthermore, the correspondence of political prisoners is subject to arbitrary restriction. More than 10 political prisoners are held in incommunicado detention. Four political prisoners died in correctional facilities and remand prisons.

• Political prisoners are subjected to forced labor at low wages; upon their release after serving their sentences, ex-political prisoners are subjected to strict control beyond the routine supervision of released convicts; the rights of convicts are further restricted by the consequences of being included in the list of persons involved in extremist activities.

• In politically motivated administrative, criminal, and civil cases, the courts continue to function as an instrument of repression against the accused.

• The number of NGOs in Belarus is on the decline, and the activities of many associations are subject to arbitrary criminalization by the authorities.

• Under the guise of fighting terrorism and extremism and protecting national security interests, the persecution of peaceful expression continues.

• Repression against journalists, media workers, and bloggers has intensified.

• The Belarusian authorities continue to use torture and other ill-treatment against dissidents and members of the opposition; there have been no cases of investigation and prosecution at the national level of those responsible for widespread torture and other serious human rights violations in August 2020 and beyond.

• Discrimination persists in various areas, and the state does not take steps to prevent it.

• The campaign “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” presented an expert assessment of the elections for the House of Representatives of the National Assembly and the local councils of deputies, and is monitoring the presidential election scheduled for January 26, 2025.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the foreign ministers of the EU member states in Brussels at the invitation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. The EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, also joined the meeting. The discussion focused on the non-recognition of Lukashenka and his sham election, peaceful negotiations on Ukraine, visa and legalization of stay issues, as well as support for Belarus’ civil society and democratic forces.

Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos issued a statement on behalf of the EU, rejecting the “election” and Lukashenka’s legitimacy. Individual statements were also made by over 15 EU countries, and a joint statement was released by the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8).

In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for:

📌 Ensuring that any peace negotiations on Ukraine include the withdrawal of Russian troops from Belarus and non-interference by Russia in Belarusian affairs, to prevent Belarus from becoming a “consolation prize” for Russia. Lukashenka represents Russian, not Belarusian, interests.

📌 Mobilizing all political and diplomatic efforts to secure the release of political prisoners. Strengthening pressure and sanctions to halt repression.

📌 Expanding and tightening sanctions against organizations providing military support to Russia or financing repression.

📌 Introducing a sanctions package targeting perpetrators of human rights violations, including judges, propagandists, security officials, and bureaucrats responsible for repression and organizing the “election”.

📌 Increasing support for independent media, human rights defenders, civil society, victims of repression, their families, and cultural initiatives.

📌 Supporting the International Humanitarian Fund and the International Accountability Platform for Belarus. 

📌 Providing travel documents for Belarusians who cannot extend the validity of their passports. Simplifying visa and residency procedures for Belarusians and considering recognition of the New Belarusian Passport.

📌 Supporting Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court.

📌 Demonstrating to Belarusians that Europe offers an alternative to the “Russian world” by including democratic Belarus in Eastern Partnership programs.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers expressed their support for the Belarusian people and democratic forces, emphasized the need for a principled stance on Belarus, and highlighted the importance of distinguishing Belarus from Russia.

Foreign ministers in attendance included:

🇱🇹 Lithuania – Kęstutis Budrys;
🇵🇱 Poland – Radosław Sikorski;
🇸🇪 Sweden – Maria Malmer Stenergard;
🇳🇱 Netherlands – Caspar Veldkamp;
🇱🇻 Latvia – Baiba Braže;
🇮🇪 Ireland – Simon Harris;
🇧🇪 Belgium – Bernard Quintin;
🇪🇪 Estonia – Margus Tsahkna.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We are deeply grateful to Kaja Kallas, the European External Action Service, the European Commission, and all ministers for their consistent policies vis-a-vis Belarus and support for the Belarusian people. I am confident that Belarus can and will become a success story, a reliable ally, partner, and neighbor for the EU”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

A march took place in Warsaw against the sham election in Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya walked through the city streets together with other Belarusians before delivering a speech. She emphasized the unwavering determination of the Belarusian people in their fight for freedom and called for unity.

“What is happening in Belarus today has been called many names – farce, comedy, special operation.

I believe one of the most fitting descriptions is mockery. A mockery of the electoral process and the very idea of an election. A mockery of the Belarusian people and the international community.

We already said a firm ‘no’ to him four years ago. And today, in response to his sham charade, we can only repeat it.

As long as we are united, we can overcome anything. We are all Belarusians. We will not lose heart. We will reclaim our country and return home.

Long Live Belarus!”

During Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s speech, march participants observed a moment of silence to honor all Belarusian volunteer fighters who were killed by Russia in Ukraine and political prisoners who lost their lives at the hands of the regime in Belarus.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The adoption by the Senate of the Republic of Poland of the Resolution on the issue of unfair elections in Belarus is an event that will go down in the history of our country and the struggle of our people and the democratic forces representing them for freedom and democracy.

For the first time in our modern history, the upper house of the national parliament of a foreign state — the Senate of Poland — has recognized the representative body of the Belarusian democratic forces — the Coordination Council — as the Belarusian parliament in exile.

This is already a recorded fact. And this fact, this event will be included in the history books of democratic Belarus.

In addition, by this Resolution the Senate of Poland declares its readiness to cooperate with representatives of the Coordination Council.

For me personally, there is no better answer to all those who have chosen the path of struggle not against Lukashenko’s dictatorship, but against the institutions of the Belarusian democratic forces created, operating and recognized by democratic countries.

At the same time, for all of us, representatives of the Coordination Council, the United Transitional Cabinet and other organizations and structures of the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, this event should become a huge motivation to continue the active struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus, to develop and strengthen our institutions, their recognition and influence on the international stage.

And we are already doing this and achieving serious success. Previously, the Coordination Council, as a representative body, was recognized as a partner for cooperation by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. And in the near future, the delegation of the Coordination Council, of which I have the honor to be a member, will go to Strasbourg for the first session of PACE on January 27-31, to also represent Belarus at such a high level for the first time in history.

I congratulate my colleagues in the Coordination Council and the entire democratic movement on these important events in our history, which we are creating together. I don’t want to sound pretentious, but we really have a historic mission and we are obliged to lead our struggle to achieve our common goal – a free, democratic and European Belarus.

Long live Belarus!

Source: NAM

Lithuania indefinitely extended exemptions for Belarusian-registered vehicles. The new regulations allow Belarusians with visas or residence permits to enter the country using their cars. Entry is also allowed for EU citizens driving Belarusian-registered cars provided the vehicles are only for personal use.

Legal entities and Belarusian citizens intending to use vehicles for commercial purposes must re-register the vehicles and obtain Lithuanian plates. Violations of these regulations will result in fines and vehicle confiscation.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We are grateful to the Lithuanian government for considering our proposals and easing the restrictions. It is crucial for us to maintain passenger connections between Lithuania and Belarus, as well as people-to-people contacts. We must remember that isolation should target the regime, not the people”.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Constitutional Reform and Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka: “Our cooperation with the Lithuanian Seimas, Speaker Skvernelis, and the parliamentary group ‘For a Democratic Belarus’ has yielded results. While this is an interim decision, it allows us to continue consultations with the Lithuanian side”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On January 16, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a phone call with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell.

The discussion focused on the recent updates regarding the situation of political prisoners in Belarus and possible steps to facilitate their release.

In addition, the parties discussed:

📌 Continued Strategic Dialogue between Belarus’ democratic forces and the United States;

📌 Collaboration with the new US administration;

📌 Expanded international cooperation;

📌 Exchanges and scholarships for Belarusians.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The democratic forces intend to present the New Belarusian Passport at the “Belarusians Deserve Better” event in Warsaw on January 26. However, the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the project are already available, including who will produce the passports, how much they will cost, and whether foreign states will recognize them.

📌 Will foreign states recognize the passport?

“We’ve just received samples from the Passport Center. Without these, we couldn’t start negotiations on the passport’s status. There is significant interest from foreign politicians. We’ve already spoken with several ministers, and additional legal justification is now underway. The Passport Center has sent samples to all European countries”.

📌 What about data protection?

“The Belarus Passport Center will ensure data security. Everything will be implemented to the highest international standards. Access to personal data will be strictly limited, ensuring that no one, including representatives of the regime, can find out whether someone holds a passport or not”.

📌 Who will produce the passports?

“We have found a printing solution and are truly grateful to the Lithuanian government for their support and consultations. Personalization and final printing will be handled directly by the Passport Center, while materials and blanks will be sourced from contractors”.

📌 How much will the passport cost?

“The processing fee for the passport will be €97. This covers the minimum required for document production, verification, printing, equipment rental, data storage, and the operation of the document submission center”.

Find out about the application process, required documents, and travel opportunities with the passport in the full interview with Marius Gudelaitis, who is in charge of the project.

🔗 Official website of the New Belarusian Passport

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On the first day of her visit to The Hague, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with members of the Dutch government, civil society, and experts.

📌 With the Prime Minister, Dirk Schoof, the Belarusian leader discussed the non-recognition of the Lukashenka regime and the January 26 sham election. The Prime Minister assured Ms. Tsikhanouskaya that the Netherlands’ policy will remain consistent and principled.

📌 With the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya talked about:

• The release of political prisoners, including those kept incommunicado.

• Regional security, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from Belarus.

• Belarus’ role in potential peace negotiations on Ukraine.

• Increased pressure on the Lukashenka regime.

• Support for Belarusian civil society through MATRA and the Human Rights Fund.

• Enhanced support for independent media and human rights organizations.

📌 Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meeting with NGOs at the Helsinki Committee’s Office focused on:

• Campaigns to release political prisoners and counter transnational repression.

• Cooperation with Belarusian civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists.

• Support for Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court.

📌 Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and international affairs experts from the Clingendael Institute discussed:

• Dutch and EU strategies for Belarus.

• Possible developments in the region.

• Regional and national security issues.

• Policy recommendations for the Dutch government and the international community prepared by the Institute.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am glad that the Netherlands maintains a principled stance on Belarus and is committed to supporting Belarusians. It is crucial that the government distinguishes between the regime and the Belarusian people, as well as between Belarus and Russia. We must not be lumped together. The Netherlands will not recognize the January 26 ‘election’, will continue supporting our journalists and civil society, and will ensure that Belarus remains a priority on the EU agenda”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During her visit to Warsaw, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, representing the United Transitional Cabinet, signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Community of Democracies, represented by Secretary General Mantas Adomėnas.

“Dear Secretary General Adomenas, 

Dear Excellencies, and friends,

It is a great honor to stand here today among allies who share the same values and dreams. 

In this room, I know I am among friends — friends united by our belief in democracy, security, and human dignity.

One day Belarus will join the Community of Democracies as a free, democratic, and European country. But Belarusians, as a people, already belong here. 

We are fighting for the same ideals that this Community was built upon. We are standing against autocracy, and together, we are proving that democracy is worth every sacrifice.

It was a true honor to sign the memorandum of understanding between the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and the Community of Democracies. It is not just a symbolic gesture. It is a step toward returning Belarus to the path of democracy, human rights, and justice.

I know, this is a non-conventional step for the Community as well. But we live in non-conventional times. Such times need non-conventional solutions, and they need brave leaders.

One of those who stood behind the idea of the Community of Democracies was Madeleine Albright. She is my personal hero. But also I can call her a mentor. At the very beginning of my accidental political career, I was lucky to meet her. We were sitting and chatting, about politics, freedom, and women. It was her, who inspired me to continue my fight and stay strong, before all challenges. I saw a powerful woman, who wants to make the world a better and safer place, and I see her as an example. 

Today, I want to thank the whole team of the Community of Democracies, of course, Mantas Adomenas, and Miloslawa Zagloba. Thank you for bringing new life to this organization. 

It’s so symbolic that we meet in Warsaw – a city that knows the price of freedom like no other. Poland’s journey to freedom is an inspiration to all of us. I want to thank my Polish friends, especially the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Adam Halaciński, the special envoy to democratic Belarus; the Polish Senate and Sejm; experts and journalists, and steadfast allies like Michał Kamiński — a true friend of all freedom fighters.

And of course, a big “thank you” to all diplomats and ambassadors representing their countries — for standing up for what is right.

As dictators unite, we must stand united too. As dictators learn from each other, so must we. Fighting one tyranny means fighting all of them. 

Dictators hate democracy because it is resilient, inclusive, and successful. Dictators hate democracy because it is a threat to their existence. And dictators can not be appeased, or reeducated. They must be confronted. And it’s high time for democracies to show their teeth. 

Dear friends,

The first point of the Warsaw Declaration speaks about “the right of citizens to choose their representatives through regular, free and fair elections.”

Change of power is the foundation of every democracy. Unfortunately, Belarusians have been deprived of this for 31 years. In two weeks, the dictator will organize another farce, called elections, which looks more like a military operation. 

With no alternative candidates allowed, no campaign, no counting of votes, no observers, or monitoring. But with a lot of soldiers and police. The only question is what number the dictator will write in the final protocol. 

Being here, I want to ask all your countries to reject this farce. Lukashenka is an illegitimate dictator, who seized the country, dragged Belarus into the war, and has been selling it to Russia, piece by piece. And all this takes place against the will of the Belarusian people. He must be isolated, not legitimized.

Belarusians already made their choice in 2020, rejected dictatorship, and voted for democratic forces. Having a mandate from the Belarusian people, the democratic forces of Belarus have formed alternative institutions of power, the United Transitional Cabinet, as a government in waiting, and the proto-parliament – Coordination Council.

These institutions represent Belarusian society and the will of Belarusian people, not the illegitimate regime in Minsk. We are united, we defend the interests of the Belarusian people, and we answer their needs. We support Ukraine, and our people on the ground.

We also build coalitions. We have formalized our relationship with the Council of Europe, by creating a formal Contact Group. We have launched Strategic dialogues with the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, and signed a memorandum with the European Parliament, and today, with the Community of Democracies.

We believe that there will be a new window of opportunity for Belarus. We don’t know how and when it will happen, but we know this: all dictatorships crumble in the end. 

Perhaps we will have to go through the Round Table, as Poland once did. And when that happens, we need to be strong, and we will need the support of the free world to turn Belarus towards democracy.

We are already working on reforms and drafting a new Constitution to ensure that when change comes, it will be irreversible. I hope the Community of Democracies, like the Council of Europe, can support us with their expertise.

We also need to prepare professionals for a new Belarus, and we encourage our partners to support internships, scholarships, and exchanges. We want to learn from your experiences, especially from countries that have transitioned to democracy, such as Moldova, Chile, Portugal, Romania, North Macedonia, Poland, and, of course, Lithuania.

We also rely on your support in restoring justice in Belarus. It is not enough to release our political prisoners—of whom there are more than 1,300. We must also make sure that all perpetrators are held accountable. Therefore, we ask you to support Lithuania in its referral to the International Criminal Court against the Belarus regime for crimes against humanity. The sense of impunity must end.

We also ask to appoint special envoys to Belarusian democratic forces, as Poland, Lithuania, France, Norway, Estonia, Sweden and many other countries have already done. Organize events and discussions on Belarus and democracy in your embassies. Invite us to your capitals and international events, so the voice of Belarusians will be heard.

Support our independent media, like Belsat, Zerkalo, or Nasha Niva, who deliver truth and fight disinformation. Help our human rights defenders and the repressed. Recently, with the support of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, we have launched the International Humanitarian Fund for victims of repression, and we ask other countries to join too.

Supporting Belarus is not a charity. It is an investment in democracy and freedom worldwide. 

Dear friends,

Another thing I learned from Madeleine Albright, is that no fight can be won alone. To win, you need allies.

And we as Belarusians are happy to have such determined and principled allies as you. I am sure that together we can make the world a better place, for us, and our children.

Thank you very much“.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

At the end of December, 41-year-old Mikalai Khila was convicted in Minsk. He was found guilty under two articles: Part 1 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code (incitement of other social hatred or hostility) and Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code (calls for sanctions). Judge Alena Ananich sentenced Mikalai to four years of imprisonment, writes Politico.

Mikalai is a Protestant preacher at the Evangelical Christian Baptist Church Dabravestsie, as well as an employee of the EU delegation to Belarus. He was detained on October 24, 2023. According to the official representative of the EU, the detention took place near the building of the EU delegation by employees of the Belarusian KGB.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Andrzej Duda welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and members of the United Transitional Cabinet at the Belweder Palace. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Head of the Cabinet, Pavel Latushka, the Acting Representative for National Revival, Pavel Barkouski, the Chief of Staff, Valery Matskevich, the Deputy Representative for Power Transition, Artsiom Brukhan, and the Coordination Council Speaker, Anzhalika Melnikava.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We are united by Europe and freedom, by the desire to live in safety and peace… and today, we are united by shared pain. This includes our hero, Andrzej Poczobut, and other political prisoners. We must fight until each and every one of them is free, until we can all come back home safely”.

President Duda expressed his support for the Belarusian people and wished for a political change in Belarus to bring freedom, sovereignty, and democracy back to the country as soon as possible.

In his speech, Andrzej Duda highlighted the escalating repression ahead of the sham election. He emphasized the recent sentencing of Father Henrykh (Henadz) Akalatovich to 11 years in prison, noting that this case is yet another symbol of the challenges faced in today’s Belarus.

President Duda reaffirmed his unwavering support for a free and independent Belarus:

“Although my term is nearing its end, I will always remain a friend of a free and independent Belarus. You can always count on my support, wherever I may be”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Summary:

• Repression and state terror continue to characterize the domestic policy of the Lukashenka totalitarian regime. Anyone suspected of disloyalty to the authorities may be targeted.

• At the end of December 2024, Belarus had 1,265 political prisoners, including 168 women. In December, the human rights community declared 58 people political prisoners. Since the summer of 2020, 3,697 individuals were identified as political prisoners, 680 of whom are women.

• In December, 49 political prisoners were pardoned and released. Viasna HRC emphasizes that, given the conditions created by the regime for political prisoners, such pardons are the only possibility for them to be released earlier than the term determined by their sentence or the discretion of the security services. This is especially important for people from vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities and serious chronic diseases, the elderly, and those raising children.

• Several human rights defenders are currently serving sentences in correctional facilities. These include Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) Valiantsin Stefanovic, Uladzimir Labkovich, Maria Rabkova, volunteer Andrei Chapiuk, and Human Constanta human rights activist Nasta Loika.

• Multiple individuals imprisoned for political reasons have been held incommunicado for an extended period. Maksim Znak, Viktar Babaryka, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, and others have been deprived of contact with the outside world and fellow inmates for over a year. Their situation is in line with the definition of an enforced disappearance, which is a violation of international law.

• In December, the results of the criminal prosecution for November were summarized. The courts considered at least 152 criminal cases, including 8 in special proceedings in the absence of the accused. 41 women were convicted, and half of the defendants (78 people) were convicted by the courts of Minsk city. The Brest Region was the most repressive among the provinces.

• Regular detentions occur throughout Belarus, including in small towns and rural communities. In December, human rights defenders documented 759 instances of reprisals(including criminal and administrative trials), including 454 trials in administrative cases, primarily related to “dissemination of extremist materials.” The majority of these cases were documented in the Brest and Minsk Regions.

• The authorities are continuing to expand the lists of individuals and organizations involved in extremist and terrorist activities, as well as of extremist materials. This creates and sustains the conditions for new attacks on civil society and its representatives. In addition, arbitrary inclusion on the list restricts the rights and freedoms of citizens.

• Viasna human rights defenders still regularly register and document instances of torture and other prohibited treatment during politically motivated criminal investigations, as well as in administrative proceedings. The same applies to inmates in detention facilities.

• The expert mission of the “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” campaign, organized by the Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Viasna Human Rights Center, published a report on the registration process of presidential candidates for the upcoming January 2025 election.

• On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the Warsaw Museum of Free Belarus inaugurated the exhibition Feelings. Drawings by Belarusian Political Prisoners. The exposition featured a collection of artworks created by political prisoners of Belarus in prison. At the exhibition’s opening, prominent cultural figures and human rights activists presented a musical album about imprisonment and repression entitled “Yellow-Labelled.”

• On December 12, Brussels hosted the grand opening of the art installation Unbreakable. This installation was dedicated to political prisoners and human rights defenders Valiantsin Stefanovic, Ales Bialiatski, Uladzimir Labkovich, Maria Rabkova, and volunteer Andrei Chapiuk. The event was inaugurated by the head of the European Parliament delegation on relations with Belarus, Małgorzata Gosiewska; the Viasna human rights activist Maryna Kastylianchanka; and the leader of the Belarusian pro-democracy forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The event was held as part of the Belarus Days in Brussels, a series of events intended to demonstrate the European Union’s solidarity with the people of Belarus.

Politically motivated prosecution. Political prisoners

On December 10, Sviatlana Krutsikava committed suicide. She could not withstand politically motivated pressure, including arrests for distributing “extremist materials,” according to Dissident.by.

In December, a minimum of 759 cases of politically motivated repressions (detentions, searches, etc.) stemming from criminal and administrative prosecution were recorded. The wave of harassment against the LGBTQ+ community has been on the rise in recent months. The wave of arrests and intimidation related to the upcoming election, pressure on relatives of political prisoners, raids, and detentions also continued.

In December, the results of the criminal prosecution for November were summarized. The courts considered at least 152 criminal cases, including 8 in special proceedings in the absence of the accused. 41 women were convicted, and half of the defendants (78 people) were convicted by the courts of Minsk city. The Brest Region was the most repressive among the provinces.

Since 2020, at least 7,759 individuals have been subjected to politically motivated criminal prosecution, and at least 6,553 people have received politically motivated convictions.

58 people were identified as political prisoners in December. As of December 31, a total of 1,265 political prisoners were being held in detention facilities, including 168 women. At least 190 political prisoners have serious health problems.

In December, dozens of political prisoners were released after completing their sentences. Also, 49 political prisoners were pardoned last month, and information about them was only partially disclosed in pro-government media.

Upon release, political prisoners continue to face persecution.

Iryna Palianina was administratively convicted for “receiving foreign gratuitous aid” (Article 24.15 of the Administrative Violations Code). Andrei Tolchyn, who was released on a pardon in September, is currently facing administrative prosecution for the “distribution of extremist materials” (Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code). Aliaksandr Patapau has been held administratively liable for the third time within three months for the “distribution of extremist materials.” Andrei Aliashkevich was tried for “violating parole rules” (Article 25.11 of the Administrative Violations Code).

Political prisoners are subjected to various forms of pressure, including transfers to high-security prisons. Such reports appeared regarding Yahor Lebiadok, Akikhira Hajeuski-Khanada, Aliaksei Navahrodski, and Mikalai Masharski. Other prisoners are confined to a secure housing unit (SHU), such as Uladzimir Kniha and Mikita Starazhenka. Some prisoners are placed in punishment cells, including Dzianis Ivashyn and Andrei Navitski, where they are subjected to inhumane detention conditions.

The repeated placement of inmates in punitive cells and secure housing units frequently leads to the filing of additional criminal charges against political prisoners. They are persecuted for persistent disobedience to the prison administration (Article 411 of the Criminal Code). The charges are based on the totality of previous disciplinary penalties. In December, these charges were brought against political prisoner Elisei Kuzniatsou and against Uladzimir Kniha, who has been held incommunicado. Ihar Karnei, a political prisoner, has been sentenced to an additional eight months of imprisonment.

According to the available information, political prisoners Andrei Navitski (since April 2024) and Mikalai Bankou (since December 2023) have been held in the incommunicado regime without any contact with the outside world. In the current conditions, this is a form of torture and contains signs of enforced disappearance. This form of pressure is also applied to Mikalai Statkevich, Maksim Znak, Ihar Losik, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka, Aliaksandr Frantskevich, and Uladzimir Kniha. Maria Kalesnikava remains in incommunicado mode after her father’s visit interrupted more than 600 days of no communication with the outside world and no information about her. 

Persecution of human rights defenders

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Viasna prepared an article about the forms of persecution of human rights defenders in Belarus: equating human rights activism with extremism, politically motivated prosecution, criminalization of volunteer work, and assistance to victims of human rights violations.

Maria Rabkova and Andrei Chapiuk have been held captive for a period exceeding four years in connection with their human rights activities. Similarly, Nobel Peace Prize laureates Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich have been behind bars for over three years. Nasta Loika, a human rights activist working with Human Constanta, has spent two years in prison. Vital Chopik, who was convicted for attending courts in politically motivated cases, has been in captivity for more than half a year.

Lack of fair trial in politically motivated cases

During the month of December, up to 150 politically motivated sentences were handed down. Belarusian courts persist in their role as instruments of repression, issuing politically motivated sentences and disregarding allegations of torture and ill-treatment of defendants. 

For instance, on December 23, the Viciebsk Regional Court sentenced Aliaksandr Randarenka, who had been accused of defamation and severely beaten during detention, to four years of imprisonment. The court’s press release does not indicate any instance of mistreatment of the detainee.

Judicial appeals remain ineffective. Appeals courts uphold politically motivated convictions; challenging a conviction on appeal can significantly increase the sentence.

The Belarusian authorities continue to actively use special and in absentia procedures to prosecute pro-democracy activists and opponents of the authorities. 

For example, a criminal case against politician Vadzim Prakopieu was opened for the third time under special proceedings. Uladzimir Ramanenka’s libel trial in absentia was held in closed session.

On December 16, European Union sanctions were imposed on 11 Belarusian judges for politically motivated rulings: Vera Filanchuk, Iryna Pradun, Vital Sinila, Vadzim Mazol, Nina Shastak, Iryna Maiko, Vasil Biahun, Yauhen Brehan, Aliaksandr Mokharau, Alesia Osipava and Viktar Novik were included in the sanctions list. 

There has been no let-up in the pressure on lawyers who defend people facing politically motivated charges. 141 lawyers were reportedly disbarred for political reasons. At least 88 lawyers faced politically motivated harassment, and at least 23 faced arbitrary detention. Six lawyers are imprisoned on politically motivated charges: Maksim Znak, Aliaksandr Danilevich, Anastasiya Lazarenka, Vital Brahinets, Yuliya Yurhilevich, and Aliaksei Barodka.

The aforementioned EU sanctions also affected the leadership of the Bar Association: “In his role as Chairman of the Belarusian Republican Bar Association, Aliaksei Shvakau has been leading and shaping the Belarusian Republican Bar Association policy of systemic repression against lawyers who represent clients in politically motivated cases or who speak out against abuses by the Lukashenko regime. In his former role as chairman of the Minsk City Bar Association, he also targeted lawyers representing clients in politically motivated cases. He is therefore responsible for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition and activities that undermine the rule of law in Belarus.”

Torture, cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment 



On December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Viasna reminded that at least 11 political prisoners with disabilities are imprisoned in Belarus. Aliaksandr Kisel, who psychiatrists have monitored since he was born, has a disability. He was sent for compulsory treatment in a psychiatric hospital. Aksana Liaushova has a medical condition that restricts her mobility and renders her unable to move independently. She was sentenced to two years in a correctional facility. Architect Aliaksei Paretski, artist Kanstantsin Prusau (cousin of Siarhei Franchuk, representative of the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment), and Uladzimir Hundar (activist and local historian from Baranavičy, who is missing a leg) are living with disabilities. The latter was sentenced to 20 years in prison. In 2024, a series of pardons resulted in the release of several individuals with disabilities.

Since 2020, Viasna human rights defenders have registered more than 1,850 survivors of torture and other prohibited treatment. Human rights defenders persist in urging the documentation of torture and other severe human rights violations in Belarus to ensure accountability and bring those responsible for arbitrary repression to justice. In a video by Viasna, Yaraslau, sentenced to three years of restricted freedom for taking part in Belarus’s largest protest march, shared his experiences of torture and ill-treatment during his detention on August 9-10, 2020, as well as during subsequent detentions in 2021-2022.

Prolonged confinement in SHU or punishment cells continues to be used as a form of pressure on political prisoners, with disciplinary measures being imposed one after another. Prisoners are usually kept in poorly heated and lit rooms, completely alone and isolated. According to reports from December, political prisoner Mikalai Bankou had been held in a punishment cell for nine months and in incommunicado mode for a year. Extended detention in a punitive isolation cell under current conditions—without access to exercise, work, meaningful activities, or contact with the outside world—constitutes cruel and inhuman treatment, amounting to torture.

Viasna has compiled a significant number of testimonies from former prisoners who have endured the repercussions of egregious sanitary violations within detention facilities. These testimonies include the presence of parasitic insects and rodents, constituting a gross violation of international standards for prisoner detention.

Forced labor

Work in Belarusian penitentiaries is called forced labor, as prisoners are usually assigned to heavy and dirty work, while the administration of penitentiary institutions overlooks safety violations. Payment for work performed is used almost entirely to cover the food and utilities charged to inmates. The Criminal Executive Code stipulates that all convicts must work while serving their sentences. The only exceptions are for retirees, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. Refusal to work is a “malicious violation of internal regulations” and is punishable by placement in segregation and possibly a new criminal case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code. In this article, Viasna collected testimonies of former prisoners.

Harassment of journalists and media workers

As of December 30, 45 journalists and media workers were imprisoned, a significant increase of nine additional repressed media workers since last month.

Journalist Siarhei Skulavets, who used to work for Belsat TV, reported that his relatives were searched again. In the summer of 2023, he left Belarus, fearing persecution for his professional activities. The charges and the reason for the search remained unknown, but the journalist was of interest to the special services.

On December 10, 2024, Judge of the Minsk City Court Vera Halaukova sentenced the political prisoner journalist Volha Radzivonava to four years in prison. She was accused of “libeling A. Lukashenka” and “insulting” him, “discrediting the Republic of Belarus,” as well as “inciting other forms of social enmity or discord.” The arbitrary reprisals were due to a series of articles in Die Tageszeitung, the content of which did not meet the criteria for restrictions on freedom of expression according to generally accepted standards, nor did it warrant criminal prosecution or imprisonment.

On December 12, it was reported that at the beginning of the month, mass detentions of workers and journalists from the liquidated private newspaper Intex-press occurred in Baranavičy. Seven individuals have been detained under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promoting extremist activity). Following the 2020 election, the Intex-press editorial staff encountered various challenges, including website censorship, searches, financial penalties, and the confiscation of equipment.

On December 11, the Škloŭ District Court held a trial for Ihar Karnei, a political prisoner, journalist, and blogger who was sentenced to three years in prison in March 2024. Judge Aliaksandr Tarakanau found Ihar guilty of persistent disobedience to the prison administration (Part 1, Article 411 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced him to eight additional months of imprisonment, as RFE/RL Belarus reported. It has been confirmed that the Škloŭ Correctional Facility No. 17 administration has placed the journalist in the Secure Housing Unit on multiple occasions. Consequently, he was sentenced for violations for which the administration has already reprimanded him.

On September 26, 2024, the Court of Pinsk and Pinsk District found journalist Yauhen Nikalayevich guilty under part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organizing, preparing, or actively participating in actions that grossly violate public order). He was sentenced to one and a half years in prison. Judge Yauhenia Melnik considered the case.

In 2020, Yauhen Nikalayevich, as a video correspondent for Media-Polesye, covered the protests against electoral fraud in Pinsk. The journalist did not participate in the protests; he was on an editorial assignment, documenting the events through photography and video. On August 10, 2020, Yauhen Nikalayevich was detained and physically assaulted while carrying out his professional duties.

Violation of the freedom of peaceful assembly. Suppression of freedom of expression

Freedom of peaceful assembly and expression continues to be under attack in Belarus, where protesters and dissidents are arbitrarily prosecuted for criminal and administrative offenses, often with serious violations of fair trial standards.

The UN Human Rights Committee reviewed the cases of 18 applicants who were detained and charged under Article 23.34 of the Administrative Violations Code (participation in unauthorized mass events) and determined that the Republic of Belarus had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee finds that sanctioning applicants for peaceful protest violated their rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Viansa HRC interviewed Iryna Hryshchuk, one of the applicants, to discuss the motivations behind her actions.

Article 130 of the Criminal Code (incitement of racial, national, religious, or other social enmity or discord) has been utilized by the regime as a tool to combat dissent since 2020. Article 130 of the Criminal Code addresses cases primarily involving online statements, including publications of various content that criticize the regime and negative remarks about representatives of the authorities. It also encompasses comments made on social media and in public chat rooms and the transfer of information about law enforcement and officials to protest structures. However, sometimes, this article is used more broadly. Human rights activist Nasta Loika and artist Ales Pushkin were also tried under the same article, for a report and art, respectively. In Belarus, 650 people have been convicted under this article, including 106 women. In this article, Viasna reports on who and what is being prosecuted for “incitement to other forms of social discord.”

On November 22, Hrodna Regional Court in the building of Kastryčnicki District Court of Hrodna considered the criminal case against political prisoner Dzmitry Holub under three criminal articles: part 1 of Article 130 (incitement to other forms of social discord), part 1 of Article 368 (insulting Lukashenka), part 1 of Article 342 (active participation in actions that grossly violate public order). Judge Dzmitry Bubenchyk sentenced the political prisoner to four years in prison. According to the prosecution’s account, from November 2019 to January 2024, Dzmitry disseminated comments via Telegram chats and his YouTube channel, addressing law enforcement, the Russian military, journalists, government officials, and Lukashenka. He was also accused of participating in a protest in 2020.

According to the Mayday Team, Viasna’s Mahilioŭ branch, on October 2, the Krasnapollie District Court of Mahilioŭ sentenced local resident Aliaksandr Kireyeu to one year of imprisonment for “insulting Aliaksandr Lukashenka” (Article 368 of the Criminal Code). The basis for criminal prosecution was that, in June 2024, Kireyeu “used inappropriate language to express his negative assessment of the personality of the President of the Republic of Belarus” in the presence of officers from the Krasnapollie District Department of Internal Affairs and the Krasnapollie District Department of Compulsory Enforcement. The trial was presided over by Judge Yauhenia Krautsova.

After 2020, some Belarusians expressed their dissent by showing disrespect for the state symbols imposed by the Lukashenka regime following the fraudulent 1996 “referendum” that replaced the constitutional symbols. Actions included tearing down red-green flags from buildings, breaking their poles, or making critical comments about the state flag. The authorities qualify such actions as “desecration of state symbols.” Over the past four years, at least 211 people have been convicted under Article 370 of the Criminal Code. The maximum penalty for this crime is three years of imprisonment. Viasna also reported on the prosecution of Belarusians for “desecration of state symbols.”

Persecution masquerading as combating extremism and terrorism

In Belarus, the de facto authorities persist in suppressing extremism, broadly defining it to include expressions of alternative viewpoints and independent associations of people.

Civil society organizations, media outlets, and online resources and mobile applications used by civil society are recognized by the authorities as extremist formations. This, in turn, is a reason to prosecute them under criminal law. In December, the Ministry of Interior expanded the List of Organizations, Formations, and Individuals Involved in Extremist Activities by including six new entries and updating two existing ones. That is twice as many as in November. The additions include the news agency Pozirk, the Telegram channels “Homieĺ – Stary Aerodrom – Chat” and “Free Žlobin,” the mobile application “Belarus ID,” the “Volnyia Kupalautsy” channel, as well as two previously listed popular media outlets among Belarusians: Zerkalo.io and KYKY.ORG.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists reports that the most common criminal charge against media representatives was “creation or participation in an extremist formation” under part 1 or 3 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code. It was used on at least 21 occasions.

Individuals convicted on political grounds, that is, for committing crimes of an “extremist nature” (as defined by the Law on Countering Extremism, an act that human rights activists have criticized), are included in the List of Belarusian Citizens, Foreign Nationals, or Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The list is regularly updated, with the most recent update occurring weekly, every Friday. For December, 93 people were added to the list, with an average of 23 people added to the list per week.

The following individuals have been added to the list: Homieĺ-based pro-government provocateur Yauhen Katliarou; foreman of OAO Hrodnazhylstroy Dzmitry Holub; and Brest resident Ala Dziasiatsik.

The KGB continues to update the list of persons involved in terrorist activities. The list includes Yury Averkau, Dzmitry Sidarenka, Uladzimir Alisiyevich, Andrei Valakhanovich, Jerzy Grigencza, Viktoria Veras, Tsikhan Klukach, and Russian citizens Eduard Koshetian and Oleg Kovrigin. The list of individuals designated as “terrorists” currently includes 517 individuals. Among them are citizens of Belarus who are being targeted for their political activities, as well as one citizen of Latvia, one of Germany, three citizens of the Russian Federation, and four citizens of Ukraine. The authorities impose financial restrictions on individuals listed as “terrorists,” ostensibly to combat terrorism. In practice, this results in the deprivation of commissary money for political prisoners under “terrorist” articles. 

The Ministry of Information continues to censor independent information by adding Telegram channels, YouTube channels, TikTok accounts, and Internet pages, including personal pages, to the List of Extremist Materials. The process of recognizing materials as extremist involves four conditional stages. First, state bodies tasked with combating extremism, such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Information, submit a request to special commissions. Second, these commissions—republican, regional, or Minsk City—evaluate the materials for signs of extremism. Third, after the evaluation, the case is forwarded to the court. Finally, the court issues the final decision. The proceedings are closed, and the content of the material is not disclosed. Following the trial, the Ministry of Information enters the titles into the republican list of extremist materials.

The courts and commissions do not thoroughly examine and evaluate materials to determine whether they contain true extremism. Recognizing materials as extremist is an ongoing challenge due to lacking specific and exhaustive grounds. This is primarily due to the broad wording in the legislation and destructive political will. Over the past four years, with a few exceptions, only sources of information not aligned with the regime have been added to the list. In December, 129 court decisions were made to classify information materials as extremist, with only five of these targeting resources featuring neo-Nazi content.

In December, the page on “X”—managed by Oleksandra Matviychuk, the head of the Ukrainian public organization Center for Civil Liberties, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022—was identified as “extremist material.” Another piece of material flagged was the Telegram chat “Minsk, all about you CHAT,” which has almost 1,600 participants, most of whom are ordinary schoolchildren. Political issues are rarely discussed, but you can see young people’s messages ridiculing Lukashenka. The Instagram page “belarus_tbilisi_krakov,” the Facebook pages “Sweda Ales,” “Ihar Maslouski,” the Vkontakte page “Igor Maslovski,” and the TikTok page “Kuzma Ryzhy,” X pages “zefiryk,” “Kuzma Ryzhy,” and TikTok page “kukuha98” were also added to the list of extremist materials. 

Maintaining a register of extremist materials enables the authorities to prosecute readers and users of these materials under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code (distribution, production, storage, or transportation of information products that incite or propagate extremist activities), which stipulates the sanction of a fine or administrative detention, along with the confiscation of the “means of committing the violation.” The latter term typically refers to a cell phone.  

On December 20, the Čyhunačny District Court of Viciebsk considered the case of Siarhei Prashkevich, a well-known Instagram blogger in Viciebsk. His account boasts close to 50,000 followers, and he engages in street polls and organizes drawings for subscribers. It is known that Siarhei was previously persecuted for participating in peaceful protests. 

On December 19, the Viciebsk District Court considered yet another case against 70-year-old Aliaksandr Patapau. 

Individuals who demonstrate allegiance to the authorities are also subject to the effects of overt censorship. For instance, on December 13, the court found Zhanna Valevich, an employee of the Liepieĺ dairy-canning factory, guilty of “distribution of extremist materials” (part 2 of Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code) and “unauthorized picketing” (part 1 of Article 24.23 of the Administrative Violations Code). According to pro-governmental district newspapers, she strategically scheduled her “silver wedding” to coincide with People’s Unity Day. 

Prosecutions for “extremist offenses” are ongoing. Among the points of contention are criticisms of state symbols, comments regarding Lukashenka and special services, participation in protests in 2020, and other instances of expressing alternative opinions. 

The authorities are expanding the persecution of political opponents and dissidents under the guise of combating extremism beyond the borders of the Republic of Belarus by issuing convictions in absentia of people forced to leave the Republic of Belarus due to the threat of persecution. For instance, on December 13, the Brest Region Court sentenced art manager Aliaksandr Chakhouski to seven years in prison and a fine of $9,770. 

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

During her visit to Warsaw, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a joint session of the Polish Sejm, Senate, and the Committees on Foreign and European Affairs. Polish MPs, experts, and politicians attended the session, as well as representatives of the Belarusian community: Pavel Latushka, Aliaksandr Milinkevich, Anatoli Liabedzka, Anzhalika Melnikava, Marharyta Vorykhava, Alina Koushyk, Vlad Kobets, and Matsvei Kupreichyk.

In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya focused on political prisoners in Belarus, cooperation with the democratic forces, and regional security, calling for supporting Belarusians in Poland and distinguishing between Belarusians and the regime. The leader emphasized that for Belarusians, Poland is a symbol of freedom, solidarity, and the European future they continue to fight for every day.

• “While dictators try to poison our people with the ‘Russian world’ and isolate them from the free world, we must strengthen human connections by issuing visas, ensuring each other’s safety, organizing exchanges, and providing scholarships. I urge you not to lump Belarus together with Russia. Our societies and the environments they exist in are different. Belarusian society has already made its choice”.

• “Sometimes I hear opinions suggesting it might be worth negotiating with Lukashenka to guard him from Putin. This is a mistake. Lukashenka is not defending Belarus’ independence. On the contrary, he is a threat to our independence. His sole goal is to cling to power at any cost”.

“Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have found a safe haven in Poland. They participate in public life, volunteer, and donate to support Ukraine and our volunteer fighters. These people are a treasure and an essential part of our democratic movement. They need support. We need to make their lives easier”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya