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The next presidential elections in Belarus, which will be held on January 26, 2025, are accompanied by traditional repression. Armed security forces invade the homes of dozens of people every day. People are brutally detained; some are beaten and tortured. The situation before the new elections is only getting worse. At least 1,213 political administrative cases were heard in the courts from September to mid-November. The vast majority of trials were related to "spreading extremist materials." Mass detentions are taking place all over Belarus, even in small towns. Viasna reports how the authorities are "cleansing" the country of "extremists" before the 2025 elections. 

Preventive "cleansing" of activists before the elections is a traditional practice of the regime. But now those who read independent media even if the news article concerns health, listen to Belarusian "extremist" bands, or express solidarity with political prisoners are persecuted. The brutal repression has not stopped for a single day since the start of the election campaign in 2020, but now the situation is only getting worse. Viasna human rights defenders analyzed how, compared with the summer months, the number of political trials in administrative cases increased in September, October, and the first half of November.

In total, over the past two and a half months, human rights defenders have recorded 1,452 cases of repression (detentions, searches, administrative trials, etc.). During this period, Belarusian judges heard 1,213 cases under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code (distribution of extremist materials) and Article 24.23 of the Administrative Code (unauthorized picketing): 488 in September, 537 in October, and 188 in the first two weeks of November. At the same time, only 975 cases were heard during the three summer months. We note that all the figures may be significantly higher because human rights defenders do not have all the information about the repression.

There are more cases of persecution in the regions of Belarus than in Minsk. Thus, the most repressive region is Homieĺ — at least 337 people were convicted administratively. At least 98 people were sentenced in Rečyca alone. Brest region is in second place. At least 278 trials occurred there, most of which were heard in Brest. It is there that those who are detained at the border upon their return to Belarus are tried. In addition, residents of Baranavičy are also being tried en masse — 56 cases. Numerous cases are also heard in Barysaŭ, Vaŭkavysk, Hlybokaje, Dobrush, Žlobin, Liepieĺ, Mazyr, Navapolack, Orša, Pinsk, and other cities.

During the last known mass raid by security forces on October 31 and November 1, several dozen people were detained throughout Belarus. KGB officers came to people as part of criminal proceedings initiated under Article 357 of the Criminal Code (conspiracy or other actions committed with the aim of seizing state power). It is known that some detainees were questioned about neighborhood chats. On November 4, the KGB recognized some neighborhood chats as "extremist formations" — presumably, this was the reason for the mass detentions.

If you have faced politically motivated persecution, have been convicted in an administrative or criminal case, or have been prosecuted in a temporary detention facility, please inform human rights defenders via Telegram @Viasnainfo. Help us record all the facts of repression to show the world the scale of the human rights disaster in Belarus!

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Belarusians living abroad have faced significant challenges in renewing their documents since the Łukašenka regime ceased consular services in September 2023. This decision forced thousands into a difficult position, as returning to Belarus for document renewal posed risks of repression, social media scrutiny, and potential criminal prosecution for opposition-related activities.

Efforts by the People’s Embassies of Belarus to negotiate with foreign governments have begun to provide solutions. Recent reports from Sweden and Austria confirm the first known cases of Belarusians being issued alien passports—an important step in addressing this ongoing issue.

Sweden: First Documented Case of Alien Passport Issuance

In March 2024, the Swedish Migration Agency introduced a policy allowing Belarusians officially residing in Sweden to obtain alien passports instead of returning to Belarus to renew their documents. The decision aimed to protect those fearing repression in their homeland.

Although the policy has been in effect since spring, the first documented case of a Belarusian receiving an alien passport in Sweden was reported this week. The People’s Embassy of Belarus in Sweden hopes this case will encourage more eligible individuals to use this opportunity, highlighting the system’s potential effectiveness.

Austria: Two Confirmed Cases of Alien Passport Issuance

In Austria, two Belarusians have now received alien passports—the first reported cases of their kind in the country. Previously, Belarusians could renew their passports at the Belarusian embassy or, in rare cases, apply for refugee status if they could prove persecution. With consular services no longer available, Austria has started issuing alien passports to those who can demonstrate risk in returning to Belarus.

Austrian authorities have clarified that applying for international protection is not a prerequisite for receiving an alien passport. While applicants must prove the danger of returning to Belarus, the process for alien passports is less intensive than that for refugee status. Initial rejections are possible, but applicants are encouraged to appeal, with the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Austria providing advisory support.

A Positive Development for Belarusians Abroad

While there may have been undocumented cases earlier, these first known examples in Sweden and Austria show that alien passports are a viable solution for Belarusians unable to renew their documents. The People’s Embassies in both countries continue to advocate for expanded access to these passports, especially for groups such as students or those who have lived abroad for fewer than five years.

For further assistance, contact:

 • Sweden: sweden@belarusabroad.org

 • Austria: austria@belarusabroad.org

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Raman Bandarenka died four years ago – and I clearly remember that day. The horror and outrage over this tragedy resonated in the hearts of every Belarusian. Raman’s murder is not a sorrow borne by one family; it is a shared pain that we all carry within us.

What happened that night, sadly, is not an isolated crime. People have vanished without a trace in Belarus for decades as the regime took revenge on them. In the 1990s, it eliminated politicians, military officers, activists, and journalists brave enough to speak the truth. They took their lives simply because they dared to challenge the dictatorship and stand up to Lukashenka. Sadly, the regime and its accomplices still essentially rely on violence to retain power.

Every day, we witness new arrests and political persecution and hear harrowing stories of imprisonment and torture. Repression never stopped; it has become a terrifying part of daily life, continuing to rob the freedom and lives of those who dare to defend their beliefs. Every political prisoner, every victim of the regime, represents a shattered family, grieving parents, spouses, and children. In the past four years alone, the regime has killed or tortured to death at least 18 people.

We cannot forget the people who have died because of the regime’s persecution. This memory is not only about the past but also a reminder that these crimes persist. We must seek justice and do everything possible to prevent such tragedies from happening again”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Summary:

• Arbitrary repression of political opponents of the regime and dissidents persists in Belarus. Furthermore, the level of criminal and related administrative prosecution remains unacceptably high. There has been an alarming increase in arbitrary detentions with features and signs of enforced disappearances in the lead-up to the announced presidential elections. The possibility of politically motivated criminal prosecution at various levels poses an imminent threat to all individuals who have engaged in protests or expressed criticism of the prevailing political circumstances in the country or of regime officials. Those who have expressed their views in a non-violent manner or assisted protest groups, and occasionally their family members and loved ones, are also at risk.

• Since the summer of 2020, the human rights community has identified some 3,600 individuals as political prisoners, 656 of whom are women. As of October 2024, Belarus had 1,299 political prisoners, including 168 women. The human rights community recognized 35 people as political prisoners during that month. A further 13 former political prisoners were identified as requiring rehabilitation due to the lack of prior awareness of their identities among human rights activists.

• 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.

• Multiple individuals imprisoned for political reasons have been held incommunicado for an extended period. Maryia Kalesnikava, 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.

• The arbitrary repression of citizens for exercising their civil rights persists. In October, Viasna received information about at least 366 cases of politically motivated repression resulting in criminal and administrative prosecutions, with at least 246 administrative cases being considered by courts.

• In October, the human rights organization Viasna updated the status of politically motivated criminal prosecutions in September. The report indicates that the number of trials related to these cases is increasing. According to preliminary data, at least 170 people were sentenced in September, including 124 men and 46 women. Nearly a third of the convicts are located in Minsk. The Brest region leads with 44 sentences. Almost half of those convicted were prosecuted for participating in protests in 2020.

• The authorities expand the lists of individuals and groups engaged in extremist and terrorist activities, as well as extremist materials. This approach represents an additional, often non-judicial, arbitrary restriction of the rights and freedoms of citizens.

• Viasna human rights defenders still regularly register and document instances of torture and prohibited treatment during politically motivated criminal investigations, as well as in administrative proceedings. The same applies to persecution and imprisonment on political grounds. Detainees are also deprived of adequate medical care.

• On October 23, the House of Representatives set January 26, 2025 as the date for the presidential election. The Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections campaign announced the launch of an expert observation mission.

• On October 31, a wave of mass arrests and searches took place throughout Belarus. This appears to be a planned intimidation action before the election. The law enforcement agencies mainly target those previously detained for protest-related actions. There are known cases of harsh arrests using unjustified force.

• Anaïs Maren presented her final report as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus at the 35th plenary meeting of the Third Committee of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

• At the OSCE Human Dimension Conference, Ukrainian and Belarusian human rights activists presented a joint report entitled "Stolen Childhood: How the Belarusian Regime is Erasing Ukrainian Children's Identity through Displacement, Re‑education, and Militarization." This joint effort was made possible by the collaboration of Freedom House, the Human Rights Center ZMINA, the Regional Center for Human Rights, and the Viasna Human Rights Center, with the support of BELPOL. In mid-September, the report's authors submitted the relevant documentation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. They are now requesting that the governments of the Rome Statute member states take legal action and provide evidence of the involvement of the Russian and Belarusian authorities in the displacement of children from Ukraine in court.

Politically motivated prosecution. Political prisoners

As of October 31, 1,299 detained individuals were imprisoned for political reasons, including 168 women. 31 political prisoners have critical health conditions that are incompatible with their imprisonment. More than 40 of the political prisoners are older people.

At the end of October, the number of former political prisoners was 2,326, including 488 women. Viasna shared the stories of some women political prisoners.

In total, at least 7,450 people are known to have been victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Politically motivated convictions were handed down to at least 6,050 people.

In October, the human rights community recognized 35 people as political prisoners. Moreover, the human rights community recognized 13 people's deprivation of freedom as arbitrary and called for their rehabilitation.

The human rights violations against political prisoners are not limited to the arbitrary deprivation of freedom in penitentiaries. In addition to this, they are subjected to further selective repression and persecution in the places of detention.

Viasna human rights activists have received confirmation that a citizen of the Russian Federation, Dmitri Shletgauer, died in the Mahilioŭ Correctional Facility No. 15. Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred on October 11, 2024. He had been in the facility for a little less than a month. The exact cause of death is pending confirmation. In the summer, he was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment for "espionage" (Article 358 of the Criminal Code) and "promoting extremist activity" (part 1 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code). This is the seventh political prisoner to die while incarcerated.

Since February-March 2023, political prisoners Maryia Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Maksim Znak, Ihar Losik and Uladzimir Kniha have been held incommunicado. There have also been reports that political prisoner Aliaksandr Aranovich has been in total isolation for almost five months. Such incommunicado detention is recognized as torture and has the characteristics of enforced disappearance.

One of the tools used to persecute political prisoners was the arbitrary extension of prison sentences, mainly through the imposition of new terms of imprisonment under Article 411 of the Criminal Code for minor, forced, or provoked disciplinary violations while serving their sentences.

In October, it was revealed that Volha Mayorava was tried in March 2024 in the Čyhunačny District Court of Homieĺ under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code (persistent disobedience to the lawful demands of the prison administration). The judge, Hanna Sakalova, convicted her and condemned her to another year and six months in prison in addition to her outstanding sentence of 20 years in prison. Volha is currently incarcerated at the Correctional Facility No. 24 in Zarečča, designated explicitly for repeat offenders.

The court has once again considered Viktoryia Kulsha's case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code. In June 2021, under Article 342 of the Criminal Code, Kulsha was sentenced to two and a half years of imprisonment, with release scheduled for early 2023.

For the third time, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk has been sentenced to an additional year of imprisonment for persistent disobedience to prison administration in accordance with Article 411 of the Criminal Code. Her term, imposed by the court in June 2021, was due to expire in early fall 2022. However, the political prisoner has been arbitrarily held in a correctional facility for repeat offenders since then. The prisoner has been subjected to punishment cells, prohibition of care packages and visits from relatives, including her children, and failure to provide medical care.

Yury Ziankovich has been sentenced to 13.5 years of imprisonment for making statements that incite actions against the national security of the Republic of Belarus, insulting a government official, conspiring to seize power through unconstitutional means, creating an extremist organization, and inciting hatred or discord. Furthermore, under Article 411 of the Criminal Code, the court has ordered an additional two years of incarceration.

Mikalai Dziadok has been kept in a punishment cell for four months. As his incarceration period draws to a close, a criminal case has been initiated against him under Article 411 of the Criminal Code.

It has been revealed that YouTube vlogger Ruslan Linnik, who was sentenced to imprisonment on charges of committing several defamation offenses, has not been released from custody following the completion of his sentence. This is likely attributable to the filing of new charges.

It is a common practice to transfer political prisoners to more restrictive facilities. These facilities typically involve locked cells with minimal contact with the outside world, reduced meal rations, and limited transfers and visits.

Regarding Dzmitry Ivanchanka, the court initiated proceedings to consider the facility administration's request for his transfer to a high-security prison.

Persecution in penal institutions manifests itself in confinement to punishing cells and the Secure Housing Unit. In the punishment cell, prisoners have no contact with the outside world, no personal belongings, no walks, and no opportunity to write, send and receive letters, read, or engage in paid work. In the SHU, inmates are kept in locked cells and have one short walk per day.

At the end of September, the administration of Correctional Facility No. 14 put political prisoner Dzmitry Rezanovich in the SHU for six months. Previously, he spent some time in the punishment cell.

Human rights activists view the restriction of freedom in an open-type correctional facility as a form of deprivation of freedom. This involves convicts spending all their free time on facility premises, complying with the administration's demands, and adhering to facility regulations. If the rules are violated, disciplinary action may be taken, including more severe confinement in a segregation unit. Moreover, restricted freedom sentence may be converted to imprisonment for multiple disciplinary violations. Prisoners are also obliged to sign an employment contract with an employer chosen by the administration of the institution, often under unfavorable conditions; in fact, disenfranchised prisoners are subject to brutal exploitation.

There are reports of increased pressure on former political prisoners, both those who have served sentences of imprisonment and those who have served sentences of restriction of freedom: they are issued official warnings (a sanction) and warned of responsibility for violently changing the constitutional order, seizing or maintaining state power by unconstitutional means. Furthermore, for numerous former political convicts who did not complete their sentences and left the country, the initial home confinement sentence is subsequently converted to a prison sentence.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing their policy of intimidating individuals facing politically motivated persecution. This is done to prevent information about the persecution from being shared with human rights defenders and independent media.

The persecution of relatives of political prisoners and other individuals for supporting political prisoners persists. Following the designation of INeedHelpBY as an extremist formation, numerous individuals affiliated with the initiative, along with other supporters of political prisoners, faced persecution. As of the end of October, it was known of 34 detainees in this criminal case, 32 of whom were women. Ten women and one man were given prison sentences ranging from three to five years.

The UN experts addressed another letter to the Belarusian authorities, expressing concern over continuing reports of ill-treatment in places of detention and unjustified and disproportionate restrictions on the human rights of former prisoners, according to the organization's website. They called on the government to provide information on the health condition, fate, and whereabouts of several prisoners, to investigate reports of ill-treatment in places of detention, and to pardon or shorten the vulnerable prisoners' sentences.

Persecution of human rights defenders 

Nasta Loika, a human rights defender working with Human Constanta, has been held in captivity for two years. She was sentenced to seven years in prison in a closed trial for her involvement in the preparation of the 2017 report, "Persecution of Anarchists, Antifascists, Leftists and Social Activists in Belarus (2017-August 2018)."

Marfa Rabkova and Andrei Chapiuk have been held captive for a period exceeding four years in connection with their human rights activities with Viasna HRC. Similarly, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich have been behind bars for over three years.

Viasna human rights activist Alena Masliukova was sentenced in absentia to three years in prison. Viasna issued a statement calling for the overturn of the sentence and an end to the criminal prosecution of the human rights defender. The statement also demanded an end to the criminal prosecution of human rights defenders for exercising their right to freedom of expression and activities in defense of rights and freedoms. Furthermore, it called for Belarus to align its anti-extremist and criminal procedural legislation with its international human rights obligations.

Torture, cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment

The UN Committee against Torture has published an annual report that presents the findings of an investigation into Belarus initiated by the Viasna Human Rights Center.

Former political prisoner Dzmitry Kaneuski, who was sentenced for a single comment in the Telegram chatroom "Homel Sovietski 97," has been compelled to leave Belarus upon release, fearing another reprisal. Dzmitry provided Viasna with details regarding his experience of persecution and the conditions of his incarceration at Correctional Facility No. 22 in Ivacevičy. Before the trial, Kaneuski was detained for nearly eight months at the Homieĺ pre-trial detention center, where he endured flagrant conditions: peeling walls, cold, dirty, and smelly cells. During his time at the correctional facility, he was subjected to physical abuse and regularly placed in the punishment cell and SHU.

On October 21, Brest Regional Court commenced proceedings against 41-year-old Vital Chopik, who was detained seven months ago for attending politically motivated trials. After the arrest, the man was taken to hospital with signs of severe beating. He is now facing charges under Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promoting extremist activity) and Article 342 of the Criminal Code (participating in actions that grossly violate public order).

In the fall of 2021, Natallia Kukishava, a political prisoner from Orša, was detained by KGB officers in connection with the "Andrei Zeltsar case." Ultimately, she was incarcerated for two years for making two brief critical comments about Lukashenka. After completing her sentence, the woman informed Viasna about the mistreatment of women in Belarusian prisons, including the inhumane and degrading conditions they face while awaiting trial and serving their sentences in the correctional facility.

Those detained on account of "extremist" administrative charges continue to be held in conditions that are a source of significant distress and concern. These conditions include overcrowded cells, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of bedding, clothing, and hygiene products. As a former detainee of the Minsk Temporary Detention Center noted, due to cell overcrowding, detainees have to sleep on metal bunk beds, which cause bruising, and on the floor and other surfaces in the cells. She noticed that bedbugs bit the women who slept on the floor which caused an allergic reaction. She also described the lack of quality medical care during a rotavirus infection in the cell. Several female detainees lost consciousness, but the administration of the institution did not take any action in response.

Violation of the right to life. Death penalty

October 10 is the International Day Against the Death Penalty.

In advance of this day, Viasna prepared an interview with Andrei Paluda, the coordinator of the campaign "Human Rights Defenders Against the Death Penalty," and a review of cases over the past 10 years that ended with the death penalty. Aleh Matskevich, a human rights defender with Viasna, presented new arguments in favor of abolishing the death penalty in light of recent developments and challenges globally. 

Fair trial

The Belarusian courts continue to be a source of repression and politically motivated verdicts. 

The current appellate, cassation, and supervisory appeal processes are ineffective in addressing politically motivated sentences due to inherent limitations in ensuring an independent and impartial review.

It is important to note that trials on "persistent disobedience to prison administration" (Art. 411 of the Criminal Court) are conducted in a manner that clearly violates fair trial standards. All such cases are heard in proceedings that are, in effect, closed to the public, with inadequate safeguards for the rights of the accused. On October 31, the trial of political prisoner Viktoryia Kulsha was held. Judge Stanislau Ivaniutsenka presided over the trial, having previously, on October 15, sentenced another political prisoner with serious health problems, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, to one year of imprisonment on the same charge.

Special proceedings at the investigative stage and in absentia proceedings are utilized extensively for politically motivated prosecutions. For example, following an unsuccessful appeal, a sentence handed in absentia has taken effect against 20 researchers, journalists, and political scientists. They are accused in the "case of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's analysts," and the charges relate to "extremism," "seizure of power by unconstitutional means," and other offenses. Following the implementation of the sentence, the KGB included the defendants on the List of Organizations and Individuals Involved in Terrorist Activities.

The Belarusian authorities have continued to take action that undermines the institute of independent attorneyship and has resulted in the persecution of individual members of the legal profession. Since 2020, 141 lawyers have had their licenses arbitrarily revoked, 88 lawyers have faced politically motivated persecution, and 23 have been arbitrarily detained. To date, seven lawyers recognized by the human rights community as political prisoners are currently incarcerated: Maksim Znak, Vital Brahinets, Aliaksandr Danilevich, Anastasia Lazarenka, Yulia Yurhilevich, Aliaksei Barodka, and Natallia Burakouskaya.

Harassment of journalists and media workers

Belarus is currently the most challenging environment for journalists in Europe, ranking 167thout of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

As of October 31, 36 journalists and media workers had been incarcerated. The number of detainees has increased compared with the data for September (33 persons). Thus, there has been no decrease in the repression of journalists with the release of media workers under the amnesty/pardon.

In October, journalist Ihar Ilyash, husband of political prisoner and journalist Katsiaryna Bakhvalava, who was twice arbitrarily sentenced for her professional activities, was detained. Pro-government Telegram channels published his photo and a penitential video. At the end of October, Ihar was charged and transferred to the pre-trial detention center.

On October 25, the Supreme Court considered the appeal of journalist and human rights activist Uladzimir Khilmanovich, who was found guilty in absentia of "promoting extremist activity" and "participating in an extremist formation." The verdict was upheld, and the appeal was dismissed.

The List Of Belarusian Citizens, Foreign Nationals, and Stateless Persons Engaged in Extremist Activities is expanding. This includes media personnel. Accordingly, on October 11, the Ministry of Internal Affairs added Yauhen Hlushkou and Aliaksandr Sabaleuski to the List.

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

The state has failed to comply with its international obligations to respect, protect, and ensure the realization of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

In October, at least 34 criminal prosecutions have been initiated under articles 342 (participation in actions that grossly violate public order), 369 (insulting a public officer), and 368 (insulting the President of the Republic of Belarus) of the Criminal Code.

As reported by the Brest Viasna chapter, six individuals were tried in Brest on October 23 and 24 for their involvement in the August 10, 2020 protest. The individuals in question are Andrei Karchaha, Iryna Saroka, Taisia Litsvinava, Siarhei Piatruchyk, Dzmitry Bulanau, and Valery Maroz. 

The Leninski District Court of Brest considered the criminal case against Siarhei Nichyparuk, Aliaksandr Klimashevich, and Yauhen Bychko on October 7-9, 2024. All defendants were charged under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code. On August 10, 2020, in Brest, they "engaged in disorderly conduct, shouted slogans and demonstrated white-red-white flags, obstructed the movement of vehicles, and impeded the normal functioning of businesses." The court determined that the defendants' actions constituted a flagrant breach of public order. The court has handed down a sentence of one to one and a half years of imprisonment. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the identities of approximately 61 individuals who were sentenced under Article 342 of the Criminal Code for their involvement in the protests in Brest on August 10, 2020, have been established. Most of the accused are sentenced to imprisonment.

Both in-person and in absentia prosecutions of protesters and dissenters result in severe violations of fair trial standards.

On October 4, Aliaksandr Yatsenka was convicted in absentia in the Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ. The individual was found guilty of insulting a public officer (Art. 369 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced to two years of imprisonment. It is known that Aliaksandr Yatsenka was tried for comments about police officers.

Bazhena Zholudz, a 25-year-old activist from Rečyca, has been sentenced in absentia to five years of imprisonment. The woman's trial was held on October 2 in the Mahilioŭ Regional Court. The trial was conducted in camera by Judge Siarhei Mazurau. Bazhena has been found guilty of three offenses: "illegal handling of information about private life and personal data" (Article 203-1 of the Criminal Code), "calls for sanctions" (part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code), and "insulting a judge" (Article 391 of the Criminal Code).

On October 11, Zhanna Avramchyk was convicted by Salihorsk District Court under part 1 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code for insulting A. Lukashenka and Article 369 for insulting a public officer.

On October 21, Minsk City Court found Alena Barysiuk guilty of incitement to social hatred under part 1 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code. Judge Mikhail Makarevich sentenced Alena to two years and six months of imprisonment. Students from different universities were brought to the announcement of the verdict. Alena was accused of making comments about Lukashenka, the police, and participants in the war in Ukraine. Barysiuk was previously convicted on a political charge. In the spring of 2023, she was sentenced to one year and six months of restricted freedom for leaving a comment under a photo of a police officer.

Within one week, from October 21 to 25, 11 trials were held for insulting A. Lukashenka (Article 368 of the Criminal Code). Since 2020, at least 950 people have been convicted for this offense (including in combination with other politically motivated charges). 

On October 4, the trial of 48-year-old environmental activist Stanislau Taspayeu began at the Miadzieĺ District Court. He is charged with "discrediting Belarus" (Article 369-1 of the Criminal Code) and "repeatedly violating the order of organizing or holding mass events" (Article 342-2 of the Criminal Code). Judge Aliaksandr Shutko is considering the case. In 2021, Stanislau had already been sentenced to restricted freedom for political reasons. In May, he was tried for "unauthorized picketing." It is known that Stanislau has a disability. Previously, he was diagnosed with oncology, but recently, the man went into remission.

On October 25, two families—the Petrashkeviches (Larysa and Aleh) and the Kuprienkas (Siarhei and Yulia)—were charged in the Frunzienski District Court of Minsk for their participation in the protests.

Viasna data show that at least 2,740 individuals have been convicted under Article 342 of the Criminal Code since 2020.

The Viasna Human Rights Center has released its findings regarding the total number of detentions in the third quarter of 2024. According to their data, there were 1,221 cases of politically motivated repression in Belarus from July 1 to September 30. These include searches, summonses for interrogations, trials, and other forms of prosecution. Of those, 360 were detentions. However, these numbers could be much higher because human rights activists do not have all the information on repression. The most commonly referenced article is 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code, which pertains to the distribution of extremist materials. At least 380 individuals were convicted of this violation over three months.

Persecution masquerading as combating extremism and terrorism

Legislation designed to combat extremism and terrorism is being employed by the Lukashenka regime as a means of politically motivated persecution of political opponents and dissidents, to impede their ability to exercise their civil and political rights.

Including various entities in the List of Organizations, Formations, and Individual Entrepreneurs Involved in Extremist Activities provides the basis for pursuing legal action against individuals for their involvement in or contribution to these activities. In October, four items were added to the List of Extremist Formations. Over three years, 243 relevant decisions were made by the KGB and the Interior Ministry (the first decision dating back to September 21, 2021). The recently designated "extremist formations" include the non-formal and civic education organizations ABF It Is Great to Be Active and School of Leadership, as well as the International Committee for the Investigation of Torture, a project of the human rights organization Legal Initiative. The International Committee, in collaboration with Viasna, is responsible for documenting and investigating crimes against humanity related to the 2020 post-election protests within the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB).

In October, 118 individuals, including 38 women, were added to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Nationals or Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities. There are currently 4,494 names on the List. Individuals placed on the List for an extended period (the duration of the criminal record and five years after its expungement) are subject to limitations on their rights.

Following 121 court decisions, the Republican List of Extremist Materials has been updated to include Telegram channels, YouTube and TikTok channels, social media pages, and other sources and media identified as extremist.

In October, for instance, several Telegram channels and bots associated with initiatives that assisted detainees and their relatives following the 2020 protests were designated as "extremist."

The dissemination of "extremist materials," broadly defined by Belarusian security services and courts, can result in detention or a substantial fine. This encompasses a wide range of actions that are not explicitly prohibited by law or may be subject to prosecution under the Administrative Violations Code.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

During her working visit to Strasbourg, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Rousopoulos. The Belarusian leader also spoke at the World Forum for Democracy.

The discussions covered:

• ways to secure the release of political prisoners and support them;

• steps to enhance Belarusians’ mobility through visa issuance and streamlined legalization procedures;

• non-recognition of the regime’s 2025 “election” by European partners;

• support for culture and independent media in Belarus;

• steps to advance cooperation between Belarus’ democratic forces and civil society and Council of Europe bodies.

As a result of the visit:

• The Council of Europe will establish the Information Office for Belarus in Vilnius. On November 6, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe voted in favor of this decision, with a final vote in the Lithuanian Seimas expected soon.

• An internship program for Belarusians within the Council of Europe will be launched, which is unprecedented since Belarus is not a formal member state.

• In late January, a Belarus delegation will officially participate in a PACE session for the first time. It will include the Coordination Council members.

• The Council of Europe’s Contact Group for the democratic forces of Belarus will continue its activities, with the next meeting scheduled for December 2.

• The Contact Group will organize training, internships, seminars, and expert meetings for Belarusian journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and analysts.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) welcomes the open letter from 12 human rights organizations and the International Accountability Platform for Belarus in support of Lithuania’s referral to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding crimes against humanity committed by senior leadership of the Lukashenko regime.

Human rights advocates have indicated that, in accordance with their mandates, they will provide the relevant evidence and information collected in support of the preliminary examination to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office and to ICC member states, and they confirm their readiness to support similar investigations. The signatories are calling on other ICC member states to join Lithuania’s request for an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko and members of his regime.

Representing the interests of Belarusian civil society, the NAM led efforts to prepare materials for Lithuania’s Ministry of Justice, which formed the basis of the evidence submitted to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office. Documentation of alleged crimes against Belarusian civilians has been gathered. Based on the submitted materials, Lithuanian authorities reached a clear conclusion: there is sufficient basis to believe that Lukashenko and his accomplices are committing transnational crimes against humanity. On September 30, 2024, the Lithuanian government, having supplemented this information with international expertise, submitted the relevant documentation to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office to initiate an investigation.

The open letter to ICC member states in support of Lithuania’s referral was signed by the following organizations:

• DIGNITY — Danish Institute Against Torture

• European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR)

• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

• Human Constanta

• International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB)

• International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)

• International Committee for the Investigation of Torture in Belarus

• International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR)

• International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)

• Norwegian Helsinki Committee

• World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)

• REDRESS

• Human Rights Center "Viasna".

Hundreds of thousands of Belarusian citizens have been forced to flee to Lithuania and other countries due to repression and persecution. In its March 2024 report, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights estimated that approximately 300,000 people have left Belarus since 2020.

Human rights advocates are urging ICC member states to consider all available measures to hold Lukashenko and his accomplices accountable for crimes including arbitrary detention, politically motivated persecution, unfair trials, unlawful killings, sexualized violence, torture, forced labor, and enforced disappearances.

They call on states to conduct national investigations and prosecutions based on universal jurisdiction to ensure accountability for all those responsible for the crimes committed by Lukashenko and his associates.

Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, stated: "We deeply value the support from leading international human rights organizations in seeking accountability for the crimes committed against the Belarusian people. In turn, we will continue our systematic and targeted efforts to facilitate justice for the crimes committed by Lukashenko and his accomplices in Belarus. We will not step back from our primary goal: accountability for crimes against the Belarusian people must be achieved. And it will be achieved".

Source: NAM

The National Anti-Crisis Management continues to document the facts of the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus and their subsequent indoctrination in Belarus.

Over the past month, the NAM has gathered and documented additional data on the timing and locations of Ukrainian children’s transfers from the so-called “Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics” to Belarus in 2023 and 2024. This effort is part of the ongoing documentation process of war crimes committed by Lukashenko and his accomplices, initiated by the NAM in April 2023.

Key Results of the Effort:

1. An additional eight arrivals of groups of children from temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine to Belarus have been identified, covering the period from April 2023 to September 2024. The information and details of these transfers have been meticulously documented.

2. The document prepared by the NAU’s legal team includes:

• Dates and locations of the children’s stays during the specified period;

• Circumstances and reasons for their relocation;

• The program of activities they were engaged in while in Belarus;

• Sources used to verify data (photos, videos, documents).

Furthermore, efforts are underway to identify and gather information about employees of the Alexey Talai Charitable Foundation, who are actively involved in the war crime of illegally transferring Ukrainian children from occupied regions of Ukraine to Belarus. Special attention is being paid to uncovering funding channels and the organizational structure behind the children’s relocation to ensure the legal accountability of all involved parties. The collected data will be submitted to national and international justice bodies.

“We will continue our efforts to hold Lukashenko and his accomplices accountable for their crimes on multiple fronts, and the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children — constituting a war crime — is one of these. We will keep gathering additional evidence to supplement the two communications on this crime by the Lukashenko regime that we previously submitted to the International Criminal Court in 2023,” stated Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and head of the NAM.

Source: NAM

Viasna human rights activists have received confirmation that Dzmitry Shlethauer, a citizen of the Russian Federation, died in Mahilioŭ penal colony No. 15. According to preliminary information, it happened on October 11, 2024. He stayed in the penal colony for less than a month. The exact cause of death is unknown. In the summer, he was sentenced to 12 years in a medium security penal colony for "espionage" (Article 358 of the Criminal Code) and "assistance to extremist activities" (Part 1 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code). This is the seventh death of a political prisoner behind bars.

Social media revealed that Dzmitry Shlethauer is 22 years old. He was born in Slavgorod, Russia, and received a Belarusian residence permit in 2018. The man worked in Kamianiec at an enterprise that produces polymer products and packaging.

The political prisoner was kept behind bars for less than a year. According to human rights activists, Dzmitry's brother was also detained, but later he was deported to Russia.

A few months ago, Schlethauer was tried under two articles of the Criminal Code. While the trial was taking place, he became a father.

The Supreme Court's website did not provide information on the hearing of his criminal case in the schedule of courts, only the date of hearing his appeal. The appeal was heard on August 30, and the decision was made by a judicial panel chaired by Judge Edhar Martsirasian.

According to Viasna, Dzmitry was sentenced to 12 years in a medium-security penal colony. In early autumn, he was sent to serve time in Mahilioŭ penal colony No. 15. Shortly after the transfer, he was found dead, but the exact cause of death is unknown.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is visiting Iceland to take part in the 76th session of the Nordic Council in Reykjavik. Its events are focused on regional security and stability, as well as international cooperation in environmental protection and culture.

During a speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya outlined five practical steps that the Nordic countries could take today to support Belarusians:

1️. Integrate democratic Belarus into the Nordic and Nordic-Baltic communities, and formalize relations. “Invite our representatives as observers to your sessions, engage us in your projects. Provide young Belarusians with internships at your offices. Help us in drafting reforms. Join groups ‘For a Democratic Belarus’”.

2️. Facilitate the release of political prisoners and support the repressed. “Support our efforts on releasing political prisoners and helping the repressed. Every parliamentarian can take patronage over one of them. We must raise this topic before the UN and OSCE”. 

3️. Expand mobility opportunities for Belarusians and support civil society and independent media. “I ask Nordic countries to provide more scholarships, visas, exchanges, and training. Help Belarusians who are fleeing repression with legalization. Help students to study, and honest Belarusian businesses to work in your countries. Increase assistance to our civil society and organizations.”.

4️. Hold perpetrators of repression accountable. “Support Lithuanian referral to the International Criminal Court against Lukashenka’s regime. No crimes must remain unpunished”.

5️. Declare the 2025 “election” illegitimate. “Next year, the dictator will re-appoint himself as “president”. We must reject the so-called election as a farce. We must dismantle the criminal regime and call for a real, free and fair election that Belarusian people truly deserve”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The U.S. Congress has introduced a bill aimed at supporting citizens of Belarus and Russia who were forced to flee their homes due to repression and war.

The proposed legislation includes provisions to recognize expired passports of such Belarusians as valid for travel to the United States and for visa issuance.

Additionally, Belarusians in exile may be classified as individuals of “stateless nationality.” This designation would allow them to apply for U.S. visas from any country worldwide or from specific designated countries.

Another key proposal is to grant Belarusians Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which can be obtained upon request. TPS would provide the right to live and work in the United States and to travel internationally.

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her working visit to Iceland, where she will attend the 76th session of the Nordic Council, which unites Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, and the Faroe and Åland Islands with the mission of promoting political, economic, and cultural cooperation among Nordic countries and their parliaments.

Alongside participating in the session’s meetings, the Belarusian leader will meet with Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

Ahead of negotiations with Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, the Nordic countries confirmed their support for the International Humanitarian Fund to assist Belarusian political prisoners. In particular, Minister Rasmussen announced that Denmark will allocate 5 million Danish kroner to the fund in 2024.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We are deeply grateful to Denmark and all the Nordic countries for their solidarity and support. Thousands of people are behind bars, and thousands of repressed individuals and their families need help, rehabilitation, and medical care. Your solidarity gives us hope, energy, and, most importantly, confidence that we won’t face our hardships alone. Thank you”.

Previously, Norway and Sweden also made contributions to the International Humanitarian Fund. This year, over 2 million euros have been raised for the fund.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Latvian Saeima adopted an important decision, allowing Belarusian citizens with refugee or alternative status in Latvia to register their vehicles without certification and customs clearance for up to three years.

Vitaly Malchanau, who represents Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Estonia and Latvia, thanks the Saeima and its group “For a Democratic Belarus” for the decision.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

A so-called presidential election is scheduled for 2025 in Belarus. In reality, this will be a sham election, as the people have been deprived of any alternative.

The electoral campaign is being conducted amid a deep political crisis in the Republic of Belarus. Aliaksandr Lukashenka is unlawfully holding onto power through repression against the Belarusian society, relying on support from the Kremlin.

More than 1,300 people are officially recognized as political prisoners, while potential presidential candidates have been unlawfully jailed or forced into exile.

Repression prevents Belarusians from seeing democratic candidates on the ballots or participating in rallies and campaigning.

Fearing another defeat in the election, the regime has revoked the registration of all opposition parties, shut down over 1,700 civil society organizations, and closed all independent media.

This situation takes Belarus even further away from a free election than ever before.

We demand an end to all forms of repression, the release of all political prisoners, the fulfillment of the right of all citizens of Belarus to fully participate in the election regardless of their place of residence, the guarantee of freedom of assembly, equal access to the media, and the conduct of the election in accordance with international OSCE standards and under supervision.

If the regime fails to meet these demands, we will consider the 2025 campaign a simulation of an electoral process. 

We invite people to express their protest by voting against all those who steal our right to vote. We will also develop and propose other ways to express dissent, depending on how the situation unfolds.

By doing this, we will demonstrate that Belarusian society continues to stand against Lukashenka and demands a free and fair election.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus
Coordination Council of Belarus

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Council of Europe PA’s Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons has presented a document titled “The Luxembourg Solutions: Outcomes and Perspectives”. It summarizes the challenges faced by Belarusians in exile after the 2020 presidential election and outlines specific solutions and recommendations to support people in exile. The document focuses on what national parliaments and governments can do in this regard.

Read Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office’s summary of these recommendations below.

1. Legal entry and residence:

• Simplified visa issuance for Belarusians in Council of Europe member states;

• Guaranteed right to asylum and multiple-entry visa issuance;

• A network of consultation centers for Belarusians abroad.

2. Threats to freedom of movement and denial of consular services:

• Solutions to document-related issues: alien passports and travel documents, suspended requirement for apostilles and certificates, and recognition of expired passports for residence legalization purposes and the New Belarus passport;

• Simplified procedures for obtaining international protection.

3. Domestic repression:

• Support for the relatives of political prisoners in Belarus;

• International alliances to help political prisoners.

4. Access to education:

• Equal access to education for Belarusian children abroad;

• Support programs for the Belarusian language and culture;

• Simplified procedures for diploma recognition and teacher employment.

5. Professional careers and entrepreneurship:

• Promotion of Belarusian businesses abroad and facilitation of their integration into local markets;

• Assistance to Belarusian lawyers and journalists in exile.

6. Preservation and promotion of Belarusian cultural identity:

• Support for Belarusian culture and language through cultural projects, translations, and international events;

• New Belarusian cultural institutions abroad.

The Luxembourg Solutions are not just a formal list of proposals but a practical tool for cooperation with the parliaments and MPs of all PACE member countries. Being an official document of an international organization with specific recommendations for national parliaments, it cannot be ignored.

The Luxembourg Solutions give Belarusian diasporas, People’s Embassies, civic organizations, and initiatives a foundation for incorporating all the adopted decisions into the national legislation of the countries where they reside. To achieve this, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office urges all concerned parties to contact groups “For a Democratic Belarus” in their respective countries and commence cooperation.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Anyone can join to the global solidarity movement in support of Belarus “Voices Across Borders,” but Alexandra Mamaeva, the representative of the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Slovenia, has chosen her own way to do it — by walking it.

“The Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela is always a wonderful journey, my place of strength, and a family tradition. I first walked the Camino in 2012,” says Alexandra.

She decided to support Belarusian political prisoners during her journey along the Way of St. James!

“As a representative of the People’s Embassy, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to take part in Voices Across Borders. I realised that traveling through Spain would be  a great chance to tell pilgrims about Belarus and its political prisoners. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people from different countries walk the Camino. And also, wishes come true on the Camino. I have a wish in mind — the one that has remained constant for all Belarusians over the past 4 years.”

The start of this great and very important journey took place today, October 20, in the Spanish city of León.

13 days of walking, covering 300 kilometers!

“The first day is always tough, especially considering the route from Oviedo to León, which rewarded me with stunning mountain views! Breakfast with a view of León Cathedral, my first scallop shell, and my first ‘Buen Camino!’ With each kilometer, the backpack feels heavier, but my smile remains — I’m on the Camino! Golden poplars, heather, and delicious figs from a kind Spanish grandmother. We’re moving forward on the Camino for Belarus!” Alexandra shared her first impressions.

Follow Alexandra’s journey in the stories.

We wish our brave participant a safe and strong journey!

Voices across borders website: https://globalbelarus.info/

You can support the fundraiser via this link:

https://bysol.org/be/initiatives/solidarityrelay/ 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by Kyiv Independent during the Warsaw Security Forum, speaking about Belarus’ way to democracy and explaining why a free Belarus could be part of the solution to the crisis.

As one of the key messages in the conversation, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for helping Ukraine achieve victory. The leader focused on what can be done now:

“We can’t give Ukrainians any assistance. We can’t give military equipment or millions of dollars. But we can advocate for Ukraine at the international arena and explain why it’s absolutely vital and necessary to give Ukrainians everything they need to win this war. We can support the Ukrainian army, and our Belarusian volunteers are fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukrainians. And also we can explain how the fate of Belarus and Ukraine are interconnected and that we can’t solve one issue without another because Russia doesn’t see Belarus or Ukraine as independent states. They see us as their colonies”.

Watch the full interview at the link.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

In September, the courts of Belarus continued to pass sentences against citizens for political reasons. In September, according to preliminary data, 170 people were convicted, 46 of whom were women and 124 men. Viasna traditionally reports the specifics of the criminal prosecution last month.

61 people were convicted in Minsk in September

The prosecution in different regions in September looks as follows:

• Minsk — 61 people;

• Brest region — 44 people;

• Homieĺ region — 20 people;

• Minsk region — 25 people;

• Mahilioŭ region — eight people;

• Viciebsk region — nine people;

• Hrodna region — three people. 

Persecution of families

In September, the persecution of entire families or groups of relatives continued under the Article 342 of the Criminal Code. In Dziaržynsk, the cases against Iryna and Andrei Shaikouski, as well as Aliaksandr and Tatsiana Hryshkevich, were heard. The case of Aliaksei and Liudmila Paulovich was heard in the Maskoŭski District Court of Minsk. In the Leninski District Court of Brest, spouses Henadz and Hanna Vasiliuk were sentenced to two and one years of imprisonment, respectively. The Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ sentenced Leu Iuchyn to two years of restriction of freedom without referral to a correctional facility, whose father, Valer Iuchyn, three months earlier, was sentenced to two and a half years of restriction of freedom with referral to an open-type correctional facility by the same court.

In September, 12 people were convicted again

In September, the trend of repeated conviction of citizens previously persecuted for political reasons continued. The Viciebsk Regional Court, in conjunction with the previous sentence, sentenced the leader of the independent trade union Naftan, Volha Brytsikava, to six years of imprisonment under articles on "calls for sanctions", "incitement to hatred", and "assistance to extremist activities". Earlier, she was sentenced to three years of imprisonment by the same court under the article on incitement to hatred.

The Leninski District Court of Brest sentenced Henadz Vasiliuk under Article 342 of the Criminal Code to a total of two years of imprisonment. In February of this year, the man was convicted by the Maskoŭski District Court of Brest under the article on "slander against Lukashenka." The Homeĺ Regional Court handled the case against Leanid Kozyr under articles on "financing the activities of an extremist formation" and "participation in an armed formation on the territory of a foreign state." Two years ago, the man was convicted by the Tsentraĺny District Court of Minsk under the article on insulting a representative of the authorities.

The Peršamajski District Court of Minsk sentenced Zmitser Dashkevich to one year and three months of imprisonment on charges of participating in group actions grossly violating public order and disobeying the requirements of the correctional facility administration. Over the past two years, the defender of Kurapaty (an area of NKVD executions on the outskirts of Minsk) has faced several criminal cases under each of these articles in the Maskoŭski and Peršamajski district courts of Minsk, as well as in the Barysaŭ District Court.

Yury Averkau, convicted in June of this year by the Kiraŭ District Court under the article on insulting a representative of the authorities, was repeatedly prosecuted in the Mahilioŭ Regional Court under articles on "incitement to hatred" and "mass riots".

In September alone, eight cases of conviction of previously persecuted citizens under Article 411, which stipulates the possibility of extending a sentence for "disobeying the requirements of the administration of a penal colony." In addition to Zmitser Dashkevich, who was tried under this article, the following people were also tried:

• Aleh Yafremenka and Apanas Afanasenkau in the Barysaŭ District Court;

• Uladzimir Tsyhanovich in the Mazyr District Court;

• Raman Marusau in the Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ;

• Andrei Budai in the Court of Babrujsk District and the Babrujsk City.

• Siarhei Ramanau was sentenced to two years of imprisonment by the Horki District Court;

• Tamaz Pipiya was sentenced by the Navapolack Court to one and a half years of imprisonment.

46% of the accused were prosecuted under Article 342 of the Criminal Code

The majority of politically motivated criminal prosecutions are based on criminal cases under Article 342 of the Criminal Code. 46% of the people who were subjected to repression in September had been accused under this article.

At the same time, the way this article is used has regional differences — in Brest, the Brest region, and Biaroza, under this article, courts mainly try groups of people. At the same time, in Pinsk, the citizens are prosecuted individually — seven people were convicted in this city in September alone.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

On October 14-15, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was on an official visit to Germany. She had political meetings in Berlin and joined events discussing the prospects for a democratic Belarus and its European integration.

During her visit, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Economy and Vice-Chancellor of Germany, Robert Habeck, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, Minister of Education, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Minister of Justice, Marco Buschmann, Vice-President of the Bundestag, Yvonne Magwas, the Bundestag group “For a Democratic Belarus”, and representatives of the association of Belarusians “Razam”. The meetings focused on comprehensive support for Belarus and its democratic forces.

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the following issues:

📌 Support for political prisoners. The leader thanked Germany for supporting political prisoners in Belarus, providing humanitarian aid, and disbursing 1.5 million euros for the rehabilitation of repressed individuals; 

📌 Visas and mobility for Belarusians. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for more multiple-entry and long-term Schengen visas for Belarusians; 

📌 Youth support and educational programs. The Belarusian leader emphasized the need for expanded educational programs, especially within DAAD, for Belarusian students and researchers, as well as free visas for youth; 

📌 Sanctions against the regime. Discussions focused on closing loopholes in the sanctions to ensure they target the Lukashenka regime rather than ordinary Belarusians; 

📌 Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court. Germany expressed its support for Lithuania’s initiative to hold the regime accountable.

In addition to political meetings, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the Berlin Belarus Future Forum, which brought together leading German politicians, experts, and activists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also received the prestigious Schwarzkopf Europe Award, recognizing her contribution to the fight for democracy and human rights in Belarus.

As a symbolic part of the visit, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya attended the opening of the exhibition “UNBREAKABLE” at the Stasi Museum, dedicated to Belarusian human rights defenders and activists imprisoned for their activities.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

"Since 2020, Belarus has become a stage for mass atrocities and large-scale international crimes. The regime has committed widespread torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearances, arbitrary imprisonment, and killings. All these atrocities are taking place with complete impunity for the perpetrators, forcing hundreds of thousands of Belarusians to flee the country", said the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), Pavel Latushka.

A side event was held in Warsaw as part of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference on the topic "Mobilizing the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to Examine the Forced Displacement of Belarusians and Their Extraterritorial Persecution", organized by NAM.

Opening the event, Pavel Latushka expressed his gratitude to the Lithuanian government for submitting information on the situation in Belarus to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime against Belarusians. "Fear and persecution have forced hundreds of thousands of Belarusians to leave their homeland, abandoning everything — life, home, loved ones. More than 300,000 people have fallen victim to the crime of deportation. This step by Lithuania is crucial for Belarusians on the path to restoring justice and breaking the vicious cycle of terror", noted Pavel Latushka.

The presentation was organized by the National Anti-Crisis Management in cooperation with the Human Rights Center "Viasna" and the International Committee for the Investigation of Torture in Belarus. It was attended by diplomats from the UK, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, France, Sweden, and other OSCE member states, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions in Warsaw, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Belarusian, Polish, and international human rights organizations. Several victims of the Lukashenko’s regime gave testimonies during the event.

The event focused on presenting an analysis of the potential of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to examine the forced displacement of Belarusians and their extraterritorial persecution. This issue has gained particular relevance in light of Lithuania's recent appeal to the International Criminal Court to investigate transnational crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime against Belarusians.

"We are grateful to our Belarusian colleagues from the National Anti-Crisis Management, the human rights organization 'Viasna', and other partners for their assistance in gathering, summarizing, and presenting data to the ICC Prosecutor's Office. We invite all interested EU countries that have ratified the Rome Statute to officially join Lithuania's appeal", said Lithuania’s Chargé d'Affaires in Poland, Audronė Markevičienė, during the presentation.

"I believe that continued joint efforts by OSCE member states to comprehensively study and assess the deportation and extraterritorial persecution of Belarusians will encourage countries to join Lithuania's appeal to the ICC and help ensure justice for every victim", emphasized NAM Head Pavel Latushka.

The National Anti-Crisis Management will continue its systematic work aimed at supporting ICC member states in backing Lithuania's appeal.

Source: NAM

Summary:

• The prevailing climate of politically motivated repression has a significant impact on the human rights and fundamental freedoms situation in Belarus. As previously noted, there is a continued risk of politically motivated criminal prosecution for those who have participated in protests, expressed views on the political situation in the country or regarding regime officials, or who have provided support to protest-related organizations.

• Since the summer of 2020, the human rights community has identified 3,531 individuals as political prisoners, 627 of whom are women. As of September 2024, Belarus had 1,317 political prisoners, including 169 women. The human rights community recognized 46 people as political prisoners during that month. A further 19 former political prisoners were identified as requiring rehabilitation, due to the lack of prior awareness of their identities among human rights activists.

• The Viasna Human Rights Center has several members 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;

• It is known that several political prisoners have been held incommunicado for long periods. Among them are Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, and Ihar Losik, who have been deprived of contact with the outside world for more than a year and are restricted in communicating with fellow inmates.

• The arbitrary repression of citizens for exercising their civil rights persists. In September, Viasna received information about at least 429 cases of politically motivated repression resulting in criminal and administrative prosecutions, with at least 176 administrative cases being considered by courts.

• The authorities are continuing to expand the lists of individuals and organizations involved in extremist and terrorist activities, as well as extremist materials.

• In the context of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, an interactive dialogue was held with a group of independent experts on the human rights situation in Belarus (following HRC Resolution 55/27). Viasna provided an overview of the discussions held by independent experts, the Belarusian delegation, and human rights activists, as well as the support received from various states.

• On September 30, the Government of Lithuania formally submitted a referral to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague concerning the alleged perpetration of cross-border crimes against humanity against Belarusians by representatives of the Lukashenka regime. Prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan stated that his office will conduct a preliminary inquiry to examine the referral under the ICC’s jurisdiction and determine, based on statutory requirements, whether there are reasonable grounds to initiate an investigation.

• Viasna human rights defenders still regularly register and document instances of torture and prohibited treatment during politically motivated criminal investigations, as well as in administrative proceedings. The same applies to persecution and imprisonment on political grounds. Detainees are also deprived of adequate medical care.

Politically motivated prosecution. Political prisoners

As of the end of September, the total number of political prisoners in detention centers was 1,317, including 169 women. 

Over 2,214 individuals, including 477 women, have been released due to completing their sentence (1,230 individuals), change of restraining order, non-custodial sentence, amnesty, or pardon. Some of them died in prison.  This brings the total number of political prisoners and former political prisoners to over 3,500.

It is estimated that there are at least 5,947 political convicts, both imprisoned or punished otherwise, according to human rights activists. However, the actual number is likely higher, as the authorities have been known to conceal the true scale of persecution.

In September, the human rights community recognized 46 people as political prisoners. It also called for the rehabilitation of 19 former political prisoners, whose identities were revealed to human rights activists following their release.

On September 4, it was announced that 30 political prisoners convicted for protest activities were released under Presidential Edict No. 343 on Pardoning Convicts. This group reportedly included 7 women and 23 men. Contrary to law, the cases of pardoned political prisoners were reviewed by the “re-admittance commission” for exiled Belarusians, which is headed by Prosecutor General Andrei Shved.

On September 16, it was announced that 37 additional political prisoners, convicted on protest-related charges, had been released by presidential edict. The group included six women, as well as individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and retirees.

The total known number of political prisoners released by pardon in 2024 is 115. Furthermore, five Ukrainian political prisoners were released in a war prisoner exchange facilitated by the Russian Federation authorities.

There is a continued risk of pressure being applied to political prisoners while they are in detention. As a means of exerting pressure on political prisoners, the extension of their prison terms is actively pursued through additional charges of persistent disobedience to the prison administration (Article 411 of the Criminal Code).

In September, the Pieršamajski District Court of Minsk considered another criminal case against political prisoner Dzmitry Dashkevich. The activist has been charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order) and part 1 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code (persistent disobedience to prison administration). It is noteworthy that the “disobedience” charge was incorporated during the proceedings pertaining to Article 342 of the Criminal Code. Consequently, Judge Anastasia Kulik ruled him guilty and imposed a sentence of one year and three months of imprisonment.

It was revealed last month that Viktar Snehur, a defendant in the “Autukhovich case” and a political prisoner, had been convicted under part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code. The precise date of the trial and the court’s decision remain undisclosed. On October 11, 2024, Minsk Regional Court will consider the appeal against the verdict. The trial will be overseen by Judge Aleh Lapeka. 

Political prisoner Maksim Matyrka was convicted under Article 411 of the Criminal Code for “persistent disobedience to prison administration.” He was transferred to Horki Correctional Facility No. 9 to serve his sentence. The Horki District Court considered the case of Maksim’s transfer to a high-security prison on September 10. Judge Alena Shliakhtsitsava presided over the trial.

A new criminal case was opened against political prisoner Siarhei Ramanau. According to the “Right to Revolt” Telegram channel, on September 25, the political prisoner was found guilty under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code, and two more years of imprisonment were added to his original term. Importantly, in March 2023, Ramanau had already been incarcerated for 11 months under the aforementioned article. Siarhei, who was released from the Secure Housing Unit in May after a six-month stay, was transferred back to the facility in July for a five-month period. There has been no communication from the political prisoner for over a month.

The trial of political prisoner Tamaz Pipiya commenced on September 5 in Navapolack. He was charged under part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code. The judge, Tatsiana Khrypach, handed down a sentence of one year and six months in prison, in addition to the five-year term previously imposed.

In September, the investigation pertaining to the third case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code against Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was concluded. It has been confirmed that the woman was transferred from the temporary detention center in Rečyca to the pre-trial detention center in Homieĺ. When relatives called the facility to inquire about the health of the political prisoner and the possibility of sending a care package, they were informed that Palina had been placed in a disciplinary cell for ten days, according to a report from the Brest Viasna chapter. Her woman is scheduled to begin on October 14.

Political prisoner Mikalai Dziadok, sentenced to five years in prison, was due to be released from prison on April 25, 2025, but a new criminal case under Part 1 Article 411 of the Criminal Code was opened against him.

On September 27, the Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ held a hearing on the criminal case against political prisoner Raman Marusau, who had been previously transferred to a high-security prison. The case was considered under part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code. The trial was held by Judge Tatsiana Rakhmanenka, but the verdict is still unknown.

In total, according to human rights defenders, at least 86 political prisoners have been transferred to high-security prisons as of September 11, 2024, and new criminal cases under Article 411 of the Criminal Code have been filed against another 51. A minimum of 137 political prisoners have been subjected to more stringent detention conditions for violating the internal regulations of penitentiaries. Viasna reported on the methods of punishment used by correctional facility administrations against political prisoners and how one becomes a “persistent violator of the prison routine.”

The families of political prisoners, as well as individuals who have assisted such prisoners, are subjected to politically motivated persecution. The primary motivation behind the surge in searches, interrogations, and detentions on January 23, 2024, was the assertion by intelligence agencies that they were assisting the families of political prisoners with food parcels through the INeedHelpBY initiative. Most of those who have been persecuted are women and relatives of political prisoners. Some of the individuals were administratively punished for “using foreign aid to carry out extremist activities” under Article 24.15 of the Administrative Violations Code. Additionally, several dozen individuals were prosecuted for “promoting extremist activities.” Viasna knows of approximately 30 individuals who are currently remanded in this case. In September, at least 16 women were tried for solidarity with political prisoners. The defendants stand accused of “promoting extremist activity” under part 1 and part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code. After a period of seven months, Viasna revealed the outcome of the January raid and the prosecution for solidarity with political prisoners.

Belarusians returning to Belarus from abroad continue to get detained. According to data available to Viasna, at least 55 individuals have been detained upon returning to Belarus since the beginning of 2024, with criminal charges filed against 17 of them. It should be noted that the figure may be significantly higher than indicated due to the lack of complete data.

On September 20, the Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ handed down a sentence under part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code against Leu Iuchyn. The court imposed a two-year home confinement sentence and a $367 fine. Leu was detained on his return from abroad.

For more than three years, Viasna activists Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, Uladzimir Labkovich, Marfa Rabkova, and Andrei Chapiuk have been imprisoned for their human rights activities.

For the fourth time this year, Ales Bialiatski celebrated his birthday in prison. A solidarity action was held near the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Vilnius on September 25 to mark the 62nd anniversary of the human rights defender. On the occasion of his birthday, several international and Belarusian organizations from a variety of sectors, along with public activists, politicians, and journalists, extended their best wishes.

Nasta Loika, a Human Constanta activist, is currently in custody as a result of her human rights work. It has been reported that in late September, Nasta was transferred from the Homieĺ Correctional Facility to the Minsk Remand Center No. 1 to participate in the trial of activists accused of political crimes.

Four years ago, on September 17, 2020, Marfa Rabkova, a political prisoner, human rights defender, and Viasna member, was arbitrarily detained. To this day, she is unlawfully incarcerated. On the fourth anniversary of her detention, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (FIDH-OMCT) and Viasna reiterated their call for her immediate and unconditional release, as well as for the release of the other four detained members of Viasna and all human rights defenders arbitrarily deprived of their liberty in Belarus.

On September 30, the Homieĺ Regional Court commenced proceedings against human rights activist Alena Maslukova, a Viasna representative. She is facing charges under part 1 and part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promoting extremist activity). However, the precise nature of the allegations remains unclear, even to the human rights activist herself. The case is being considered in camera and in absentia by Judge Siarhei Bahinski.

At least seven defense lawyers are imprisoned on political grounds.

Torture and ill-treatment

Political prisoner Ihar Alinevich has been placed in a punishment cell once again. This means he is being detained in inhumane conditions with no communication with the outside world. He was on a hunger strike and ended up in the hospital during his last stint in the punishment cell.

Maria Kalesnikava, a political prisoner who was hospitalized while at the correctional facility a year ago for surgery, is in a critical condition. 175 cm tall, Maria now weighs just 45 kg and is underweight and malnourished due to the lack of appropriate dietary conditions in the facility.

In July 2024, it came to light that Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was afflicted with “moderate chronic pancreatitis,” a highly dangerous ailment that presents significant challenges in terms of treatment, particularly within the constraints of a prison environment. The relatives were informed of the diagnosis by the official response of the administration of Correctional Facility No. 24, where the woman had recently served her sentence. In September, Andrei Sharenda, the husband of a political prisoner stated the significant decline in Palina’s health. She is experiencing acute abdominal discomfort, yet there has been no provision of medical care beyond the administration of analgesics.

Newly released photos and videos of Yury Ziankovich, who has been imprisoned for two years, show the political prisoner to be in a severely malnourished and exhausted state.

Kiryl Ivanou, who has epilepsy, provided details of his traumatic experience during his detention in the fall of 2023. He was subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and the use of a stun gun.

Aliaksei Kireyeu, a former political prisoner who has completed his sentence, has revealed the consequences of his time in Correctional Facility No. 15, which he described as inhumane. He lost 15 kilograms in weight and suffered a loss of vision in one eye.

Political prisoner Yahor Eustratau, who has completed his prison sentence, provided a detailed account of the harsh conditions of his detention.

“During the arrest, officers from the anti-terror unit utilized pump-action shotguns with rubber pellets. The majority of the shots were directed at me, but I am aware that they also struck other individuals. I needed to get medical attention, so they took me to the hospital before transferring me to the detention center”;

“We were lying on the ground and every so often they would come up to look at us. It was all a bit like a spectacle for them. Some had bleeding on their arms, others elsewhere... Then we got pepper sprayed in the face. Then someone came in who looked like the head of the operation. He went around and named four men. They were picked up and taken somewhere. Actually, they were the undercover police officers.”

He described the inhumane conditions in Remand Center No. 1:

“There are 12 beds, and there were 14 of us in the cell. Two were up at night, but then they could catch up on sleep during the day.”

Regarding the punishment cell in Correctional Facility No. 1:

“The punishment cell is an individual destruction weapon in the facility. All conditions are created to undermine human health. If someone was beaten in the facility, it necessarily took place in the punishment cell, away from the eyes of hundreds of convicts.”

Another former political prisoner recounted his experience of being detained during a peaceful demonstration in October 2020. He sustained a head injury as a result of the disproportionate use of force by riot police.

A former political prisoner who served a sentence at the Babrujsk Correctional Facility No. 2 described the conditions in the punishment cell and Secure Housing Unit as follows:

“The environment is consistently damp and cold. It makes sleeping at night impossible, especially during the offseason. You’re bracing yourself for sleepless nights in segregation. You can’t sleep during the day either, because they’ve installed video cameras everywhere. The offseason is hell. Inevitably, your health is ruined, because everyone gets sick there: fever, hemorrhoids. People don’t come out of there healthy because it’s cold and drafty.”

Violation of freedom of association

On September 16, the KGB recognized the Belarusian National Youth Council (RADA) as an extremist formation. Allegedly, the association “carries out extremist activities from abroad and represents an umbrella organization uniting more than 30 youth organizations and initiatives working on Belarusian issues.” This places all those engaged in legitimate activities on behalf of the youth organization at risk of criminal prosecution.

The mass forced termination of NPOs continues. According to Lawtrend, losses in the public sector of Belarus, starting from the post-election period of 2020, have amounted to at least 1,777 institutionalized forms of non-profit organizations (public associations, trade unions, political parties, foundations, non-state institutions, associations, religious organizations).

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

There were no signs of slowing down in the number of criminal prosecutions for exercising the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. In September, courts continued to impose sentences under Article 342 of the Criminal Code for participation in post-election protests.

Viasna is aware of at least 28 individuals who have been prosecuted for actively participating in actions that grossly violate public order (Article 342 of the Criminal Code).

On September 12, the Brest District Court handed down sentences of restriction of freedom and imprisonment to 11 individuals for their participation in the August 10, 2020 protest.

Whole families are prosecuted. The Leninski District Court of Brest has handed down a prison sentence to Hanna and Henadz Vasiliuk for their participation in the protests on August 10, 2020. At the time of sentencing, Henadz was incarcerated for committing a crime under Article 367 of the Criminal Code (libel against Lukashenka).  

On September 5, the Biaroza District Court announced the second recent sentence for participation in the protest on the night of August 10-11, 2024 in the city. Four individuals — Mikalai Kulak, Ihar Yaumenau (Kulia), Andrei Rybakou, and Viktar Daniliuk — were sentenced to one and a half years in prison each under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in actions that grossly violate public order). The case was considered by Judge Ludmila Rudzina. This information was provided in the Brest Viasna chapter.

Administrative persecution

In September, Viasna received information regarding 429 cases of politically motivated repression resulting from criminal and administrative persecution. Of these cases, 176 were considered by courts. 130 cases were considered under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code (for dissemination of information materials designated by the authorities as extremist).

Please note that the results of administrative prosecutions and the number of detentions related to criminal and administrative prosecutions are frequently not communicated to human rights defenders or are delayed due to the prevailing atmosphere of fear and the threat of further reprisals. The data cannot be evaluated as an indicator of changes in the level of repression, particularly over short periods and without consideration of the evolving circumstances surrounding the collection of information.

Harassment of journalists and media workers

As of September 30, 33 journalists and media professionals have been incarcerated.

On September 3, Alena Tsimashchuk, a journalist previously employed by Green Portal, Brestskaya Gazeta, and Brestskiy Vestnik, was included in the List of Organizations and Individuals Involved in Terrorist Activities. She was charged with “discrediting Belarus” (Article 369-1 of the Criminal Code), “inciting other social discord or enmity” (Part 3 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code), and being a member of an “extremist formation” (Part 3 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code). On June 3, 2024, the Brest Regional Court found her guilty and imposed a total sentence of five years of imprisonment and a fine of $14,000. The case was considered by Judge Dzmitry Karasinski.

On September 16, Andrei Tolchyn, who was sentenced on March 21, 2024 to 2 years and 6 months imprisonment on charges of libeling the President of the Republic of Belarus (Article 367 of the Criminal Code) and promoting extremist activities (Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code), was released on pardon.

On September 26, the Pinsk City and District Court commenced proceedings in the criminal case against Yauhen Nikalayevich, who is accused of committing a crime under part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code. Yauhen was previously arrested on August 10, 2020, while performing his professional duties. On the day of detention, he was physically assaulted by police officers in the restroom of the Pinsk City Executive Committee building and the police wagon.

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

Legislation designed to combat extremism and terrorism is being employed by the Lukashenka regime as a means of politically motivated persecution of political opponents and dissidents, to impede their ability to exercise their civil and political rights.

In September, two items were added to the List of Extremist Formations. Over the course of three years, a total of 239 relevant decisions were made by the KGB and the Interior Ministry (the first decision dating back to September 21, 2021).

In September, 101 individuals, including 22 women, were added to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Nationals or Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities. There are currently a total of 4,476 names on the List.

Following 87 court decisions, the Republican List of Extremist Materials has been updated to include Telegram channels, YouTube and TikTok channels, social media pages, and other sources and media identified as extremist.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Belarus designated the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment as a “terrorist organization” last month. The decision in question was made following a referral of Prosecutor General Andrei Shved.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

During her working visit to the United States, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by Voice of America. She spoke on why participation in the UN General Assembly was important for the democratic forces of Belarus and what international support they were seeking.

📌 “We are looking for world leaders who can somehow assist us with these questions. People in Belarusian prisons are dying. This is the most painful topic for us in the democratic movement. And I think countries who still have some relationship with this regime can assist us in solving the humanitarian crisis”.

📌 “Lukashenka wants to sell the release of about 100 people as an act of humanity. But it has nothing to do with this. I think this release is connected with the pressure imposed on Lukashenka’s regime. They want to have the sanctions lifted”.

📌 “Our task is to make sure that the policy of our democratic allies will not change toward Belarus. We are looking for ways to release political prisoners for humanitarian reasons. We are looking for countries and organizations that can be mediators on this issue”.

📌 “We want to use international mechanisms – the ICC [International Criminal Court], ICJ [International Court of Justice] – to bring Lukashenka and his cronies to account, though these instruments are rather slow, honestly speaking. But we are consistent in our approach, and hopefully, a special investigation against the crimes will start very soon”.

📌 “Our ultimate goal is to release political prisoners, hold free and fair elections. But before this, of course, we have to weaken the regime as much as possible and strengthen national identity, civil society, and democratic forces, to have a smooth and fast transition period”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On October 3, the United Transitional Cabinet held a press conference in Warsaw regarding Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes against humanity targeting Belarusians to the International Criminal Court. Pavel Latushka, Aleh Kulesha, and a representative of the Helsinki Committee joined Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

In her speech, the Belarusian leader applauded the referral, adding that neighboring countries have suffered significantly from the regime’s actions and are determined to seek justice. She also called on other countries to support Lithuania and submit similar referrals.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We fully support Lithuania and urge the governments of other countries to send official letters to the International Criminal Court calling for an investigation into the regime’s crimes. Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland officially supported Lithuania and the referral it sent to the ICC. Poland, Lithuania, as well as Latvia and Ukraine, have suffered the most from the regime’s actions and are keen to see the dictator finally held accountable. Ukraine officially joined the Rome Statute a month ago. This means that if an investigation is launched or an arrest warrant is issued, Ukraine will also be obligated to comply with it. This is particularly important in the context of Lukashenka’s regime’s involvement in the war against Ukraine”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Speech by Ambassador Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management at the press conference on legal responses of the international community to the crimes against humanity committed by the current authoritarian regime of Belarus.

Madam President-elect, Madam Deputy Minister, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.

375 days, almost a year, have passed since we first formally met with the Madam Deputy Minister and Head of International Legal Representation of the Ministry of Justice of Lithuania and discussed the possibility of making this Referral. 

Today, we are here, in the Hague. The Referral is in the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. On the International Criminal Court website, a short remark appeared from Prosecutor Karim Khan that “he can confirm that his Office will conduct a preliminary examination to examine the request”.

A short phrase with immense meaning. What does it conceal?

First of all, lives, suffering, and losses of hundreds of thousands of victims. Having gone through the terrifying steamroller of repression in Belarus, torture, rape, imprisonment, deprivation of fundamental rights. Having no other choice. They fled their homeland seeking refuge in Lithuania, Poland and other countries. They left their parents, children, friends, never being able to see them again. They left their property, starting their lives anew.

And now, having gone through all this, the targeted population was subjected to a new wave of repression. The regime continued to persecute us abroad with monstrous efficiency. Judicial harassment, arrests of relatives and friends, hate speech, threats of violence, intimidation, confiscation and destruction of property in Belarus. This is only part of what Lukashenko and his accomplices are doing in European countries today

Secondly, for 4 years, Belarusians lived in a state of complete doom. Our people, having gone through the hell of losses for peaceful defending of democratic values, feel abandoned and forgotten. 

However, today, hundreds of thousands of victims have received hope for justice. Hope that one day, the perpetrators will be prosecuted.

Thirdly, an incredible job has been done. By the Ministry of Justice of Lithuania, by lawyers and experts whose names I cannot name. In fact, they have created a new precedent. For the first time in the practice of the ICC, a state party to the Rome Statute has referred the situation to the Office of the Prosecutor in a state not party to this Statute.

The work done required exceptional professionalism, creativity and courage.

Me and my team thank Lithuania, the Ministry of Justice, personally Deputy Minister Gabia Grigaitė and Head of International Legal Representation Richard Dzikowicz, for their amazing work. 

I would like to thank our lawyers and my team, the National Anti-Crisis Management, Deputy of the European Parliament Dainius Zalimas and his organization Justice Hub as well as foreign experts who initiated this process in April 2023. 1.5 years of daily work. And this is the result. 

Thank you Mrs. President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya for your support.

And also a special thanks to the organizations that are part of the IAPB, I would like to especially note the Human Rights Center Viasna and the International Committee for Investigation of Torture in Belarus.

This day will go down in history.

In the history of Belarus – because this is the first and today the most important step towards achieving justice for the Belarusian people, for hundreds of thousands of victims of crimes against humanity committed by the dictator Lukashenko and his accomplices.

This day will go down in history. In Lukashenko's personal history, or, more precisely, the personal criminal case of the dictator, who will go down in history as an international criminal.

And now it is the fourth decade when Lukashenko is building his regime of repression and violence. And the formation of this regime is really close to its “highest point”. Think about it – in a country with a population of 9 million people the dictator has already committed hundreds of thousands of crimes against humanity. 

Lukashenko has created a whole state policy, as he says, “to clean” the society. All the population perceived as disloyal by his regime is subjected to a conveyor of atrocities. Society is divided into loyal and disloyal. Lukashenko constantly calls the Belarusians, who are subjected to repression, as “fugitives”, “political”, “sharp-hoofed”.

But the time has come for justice and fairness. It is your time, Lukashenko, to be held accountable for these crimes. It is time for the rule of law to prevail over the rule of force. 

I want to address the highest ranks of his regime. 

Lukashenko's train Minsk - The Hague departed today. Lukashenko is already on it. And he will reach his destination. There are no other options now. No way back for Lukashenko. The process of justice set in motion is irreversible.

We call on all democratic countries to join and support the process of restoring justice that has been launched by Lithuania. And to take similar actions to give maximum speed to the Minsk-Hague train. 

I am sure we do not have excessive expectations of our partners, but a request to use your capabilities to bring Lukashenko and his accomplices to justice.

Lukashenko has always dreamed of going down in history. He succeeded. And he will never get rid of it. All history textbooks will remember him not as the first president, but as the last Belarusian dictator and international criminal. 

And I want this to be heard not only by him, but also by his circle, his closest civil servants, propagandists. Ask yourself, do you want to share a space with him on this train? Do you want to join him in the Hague? 

Or maybe it's finally time to make a decision - and get off this train. Not get on it at all. You know what you need to do. You know where to send the information. 

I'm sure there are many of you who want it. Some of you were forced to commit the crimes. But you have a chance to help yourselves, your country, Belarusians and justice. Don't miss it. Get in touch.

Lukashenko thought he could “turn the page” of his crimes. No. His “ballad of a dictator” has come to an end. And yes, we'll shut you, Lukashenko, out of big politics. As promised. You're a criminal. Next station is the Hague. 

Do you remember the posters people took to the streets in 2020? “Lukashenko to the Hague”, ‘Tribunal’. Did you think that these were just slogans left in the past? No, this is your future. 

Today the rule of law prevails. Today we together restore Belarusians' faith in justice. We are writing the history of a new Belarus. Which will begin after the trial of the dictator. An inevitable trial. 

We call on all democratic countries to support the efforts of Lithuania. Use your right under Article 14 of the Rome Statute. Make Justice prevail over impunity. That is what all the Belarusian people want. That is what unites all of us. Desire for justice.

I support today's statement by the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The ratification of the Rome Statute by the new Belarus guarantees that impunity for international crimes will become impossible in our country. No international criminal will be able to escape accountability in new Belarus.

Жыве Беларусь!

Source: NAM

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation against the Lukashenka regime for repression and torture following the 2020 elections. This is the first time an international judicial institution officially investigates the regime’s crimes. This step is the result of the work of human rights defenders and the democratic forces of Belarus. The evidence has been collected and submitted to Lithuania, who brought the case to the ICC.

The criminal acts in question include:

➖ Deportation. According to the UN, the regime has forced around 300,000 Belarusians to leave the country due to repression, torture, and political persecution;
➖ Persecution of Belarusians in exile, including threats to life and health, politically motivated sentences, confiscation of property, and deprivation of access to public services;
➖ Other inhumane acts.

What outcomes can be expected?

➖ An investigation of crimes and potential punishment of the perpetrators;
➖ Increased international pressure on the regime;
➖ Encouragement for other countries to bring similar cases to international courts.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya explains the significance of the case:

“Lithuania’s decision to bring a case to the International Criminal Court against the Belarusian regime is an important step toward justice for Belarus. For more than four years following the rigged 2020 election, Belarusians have been suffering from brutal repression. The crimes committed by the Lukashenka regime must not go unpunished. We believe that with Lithuania and the international community, we will gather enough evidence to hold the perpetrators accountable”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Republic of Cyprus has become a refuge for more than 5,000 Belarusians who have found a new home on the island. The increase in the Belarusian diaspora numbers grew sharply after the events of 2020. The second wave of diaspora growth began after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

In a large interview to Cyprus Daily News with a representative of the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Cyprus, key challenges faced by Belarusians in Cyprus were discussed, along with possible solutions to overcome these difficulties. 

"Cyprus attracts Belarusians with its favorable business environment, stable economy, and high standard of living. The island has become popular among IT, finance, and business professionals due to its open labor market and favorable conditions for doing business. Despite the lack of special support programs for Belarusians, Cyprus remains one of the priority destinations due to its safety and high standards of living.

Due to Decree No. 278, a new problem has arisen for Belarusians in Cyprus: since Cyprus is not part of the Schengen zone, Belarusian citizens with a residence permit on the island cannot travel freely within the EU without a Schengen visa. For many, traveling to other countries is necessary for work, especially if it involves international contacts, as well as to meet relatives. Some Belarusians have not seen their families for several years." 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

The Council of Europe has published a practical guide that aims to help European parliamentarians and politicians provide support to Belarusians in exile in the organization's member states. The document includes recommendations on various aspects of the life of Belarusians abroad and is intended to simplify the process of adaptation and preservation of cultural identity for them. 

The 107-page document, prepared by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), is entitled "Luxembourg Solutions: Issues and Prospects" and is available in three languages: English, French and Belarusian. The Guide proposes policy steps and recommendations on key issues related to the life of Belarusians in exile, such as legal entry and stay, freedom of movement, access to consular services, educational and professional opportunities, and assistance in developing entrepreneurship abroad. The document devotes significant space to the preservation and promotion of cultural identity.

The Guide is the result of a conference held in Luxembourg in June 2024 and continues the work started in the report "Addressing the specific problems faced by Belarusians in exile", prepared by Paul Galles (Luxembourg, EPP/CD). PACE adopted a corresponding resolution in June 2023, on the basis of which this document was developed.

The guide is also accompanied by literary material "Guide to Belarus / Davednik pa Belarusi", created by the famous Belarusian writer and journalist Sasha Filipenko, whose works have been translated into more than 15 languages. The Council of Europe noted that this material offers a personal and emotional vision of the author, who was forced to leave his country, and conveys his experiences of life in exile.

PREMS 149524 BIL 3011 Outcomes and perspectives

Original article: reformby.org 

Source: NAM

During her visit to the United States, the Belarusian leader joined a panel discussion at the annual Concordia Summit, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Together with the former Croatian President, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed Belarus’ role in regional security, emphasizing that the country should be seen as part of the solution to the crisis.

📎 “Sometimes just condemning it is not enough. Sometimes taking action is critically important. And I believe the democratic world is not fully utilizing its tools to help Belarusians and Ukrainians. It’s about responsibility. It’s about support. It’s about solidarity”.

📎 “Without a free and democratic Belarus, there will be a constant threat to both Ukraine and Western countries. This is why we must view Belarus not only as a problem but also as part of the solution. Because Belarusians are strongly united against dictatorship and Russia’s imperialist ambitions. They are also very united in their support of Ukraine”.

📎 “We need to advance the Belarusian cause. To explain to the world that Russia views Belarus and Ukraine as disobedient children who have no right to choose their own future and whom it wants to drag back into the Soviet past”.

📎 “When people talk about fatigue, here’s what I think. For example, your neighbor’s house is on fire while you’re asleep in yours. Of course, it’s more convenient to sleep in your cozy bed without thinking about what’s happening outside. But if you don’t help your neighbor, the fire will eventually spread to your house”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the UN General Assembly, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack. They discussed the regime’s persecution of Belarusians abroad and the risks faced by those returning to their homeland.

Additionally, they discussed: 

📎 Holding the regime’s officials accountable for their involvement in repression and human rights violations; 

📎 Initiating cases under universal jurisdiction and through international courts.

📎 The situation of political prisoners in Belarus, including those kept incommunicado.

Ms. Van Schaack assured Ms. Tsikhanouskaya that the US will make efforts to hold those responsible for the repression accountable. The Belarusian leader has previously co-authored an op-ed with Van Schaack for The Hill.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

German businessman and member of the populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD), Jörg Dornau, signed an agreement with the Lida «Center for the Isolation of Offenders» (CIO) and regularly employed Belarusians convicted on political charges to work on his onion plantation near Lida. They were paid around 5 euros per day. As Reform.news found out, the German politician personally inspected the work of political prisoners.

We found one of those «politicals» who sorted onions for Jörg Dornau at the «Cybulka-Bel» company. His name is Andrei (name changed). He is not the only one who was sent from the CIO to do agricultural work, but he was the only one willing to share his story with Reform.news.

«Onion is tasty»

Andrei was detained in February 2024. He was sentenced to 15 days in the CIO for liking a post on social media. Andrei describes the working conditions as follows:

— They took us to a warehouse. February, basement, everyone had different clothing. So, our hands and feet were freezing. Breakfast was at 7:00 AM. We worked until 6:00 PM without food or drink. The onion is tasty.

Andrei says that a contract was signed between «Cybulka-Bel» and the Lida CIO. He notes that the work was not forced. The money earned was meant to cover the costs of being held at the CIO.

— We signed consent for the work every day. If the foreman thought a detainee was working well, he would be paid. The Lida CIO was paid 30 rubles, the detainees around 20. The onions were sorted for the ‘Evroopt’ trading network.

When asked if he had heard anything about the German farmer, Andrei replies:

— I even saw him! Tall, bald man. He came once in his car with German registration. He went into the warehouse where we were sorting onions along with hired workers.

Looking at a photo of Jörg Dornau, Andrei responds:

— Looks like him!

Who is Jörg Dornau?

Jörg Dornau was born in Borna, Saxony. He is 53 years old, has an agricultural education, and is engaged in entrepreneurial activities. In 2016, Dornau joined the far-right pro-Russian party «Alternative for Germany» (AfD). Since 2019, he has been a member of the Saxon parliament, representing the AfD parliamentary group on agricultural policy.

Dornau was also a member of the extremist radical faction of the AfD known as «The Wing».

The German politician made headlines in national German media after it was revealed that he owns the agricultural enterprise «Cybulka-Bel» LLC in Belarus. His farm cultivates onions and other vegetables on several hundred hectares in the Lida district. While conducting business is not prohibited for members of parliament under Saxon parliamentary law, Jörg Dornau concealed his business in Belarus, thus violating his reporting obligations. As a result, in August 2024, the Saxon parliament fined him 20,862 euros.

«Cybulka-Bel»

In Belarus, the German businessman often appeared in state-run Belarusian media, met with high-ranking officials, and enjoyed the patronage of the authorities.

He registered his company, LLC «Cybulka-Bel», in October 2020 in the village of Gudy in the Lida district of the Grodno region. This was precisely when Alexander Lukashenko, with the help of his security forces, was suppressing mass protests against the falsification of the presidential election.

By decisions of the Lida district executive committee, land plots with a total area of 1,555.4 hectares from the RUP «Sovkhoz Lidskiy» were gradually transferred to «Cybulka-Bel» for permanent use.

«Jörg Dornau is the leading specialist in onion cultivation in Germany. Within three years, agrarians from Leipzig expect to produce more than 10,000 tons of onions annually. This means that approximately every fifth onion grown in our country will be from Lida», boasted the newspaper of Lukashenko’s administration, «SB. Belarus Today», in July 2021.

The project’s cost, according to the deputy chairman of the Lida district executive committee, Igor Kvasovka, was estimated at between 4.7 and 6 million rubles (€1,410,000 and €1,800,000).

«In addition to vegetable cultivation and processing, the investor plans to create a full-fledged logistics complex for the storage and processing of products. Forty-five new jobs will be created», wrote the state-run «Lidskaya Gazeta» in January 2021.

It sounds promising, doesn’t it? New jobs!

In addition, «Cybulka-Bel» participated in government procurement procedures. From 2022 to 2024, Jörg Dornau’s company provided the state with soil liming services for acidic soils three times. The total cost of these services amounted to 70,992 Belarusian rubles.

It would have been extremely difficult for Jörg, without knowledge of the language and necessary connections, to run a business in Belarus. He has a partner, businessman Yurij Kunitski, who lives in Germany. German press materials describe him as follows:

«…has been working for many years for the Russian and Belarusian propaganda apparatus, and whose credit reports state: Business relations are not recommended».

This did not prevent him from entering into a joint business with Dornau: 50% of «Cybulka-Bel» is owned by Kunitski. From December 2020 to November 2023, he was also the company’s director, only later handing the position over to Dornau.

In an article from the «Lidskaya Gazeta» dated March 31, 2021, Yurij Kunitski stated that the process of land allocation was being carried out in accordance with existing legislation. «The staffing issue is also being addressed. The team is gradually growing. At present, we are recruiting machine operators to carry out the work. Overall, the company plans to employ up to 50 people, including seasonal workers» the newspaper wrote.

«Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the district and regional leadership for their trust. We were given the green light» Kunitski said.

«Seasonal» Workers

As we can see, Jörg Dornau took a rather unconventional approach to solving the staffing issue at «Cybulka-Bel». He personally inspected the work of Belarusian political prisoners. The German politician knew about and signed documents regarding the «services» provided by an institution where Belarusians are deliberately tortured.

During his visit to Belarus, Dornau remarked:

— Germany is missing out on economic opportunities in a country located at the heart of the new ‘Silk Road,’ serving as a kind of bridge to the Eurasian Economic Union with its more than 180 million consumer population.

Dornau chose not to miss out on the chance for economic cooperation with the country at the heart of the Silk Road and took advantage of the services provided by the Lida «Center for the Isolation of Offenders».

As a reminder, special conditions are created for «politicals» in detention cells: mattresses, pillows, and bedding are taken away. It is forbidden to sit or lie on the beds. Detainees are deprived of all packages. The light in the cell is on 24/7, and they are woken up several times at night. Most cells do not have toilets or sinks — only a plastic bucket in the corner, which must be emptied into a shared restroom in the hallway each morning. Our interviewee Andrei calls these conditions torturous.

In modern Belarus, it is impossible to punish those who exploit the lack of rights of Belarusians. Therefore, the Reform.news team hopes that German society can convey to Jörg Dornau the ethical concerns surrounding the practice of using political prisoners as labor.

Reform.news requested comments from Jörg Dornau, but as of the time of publication, we have not received a response.

Illustration: A prisoner in the Lida CIO. Drawing by Evgeny Lukashevich from the website spring96.org

Source: Reform.news

The UN Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue on resolution 55/27 regarding the interim report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath.

The Chair of the Independent Expert Group on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus, Karinna Moskalenko, delivered the opening remarks. She emphasized the worsening human rights situation in Belarus, calling on the UN member states to exert maximum pressure on the Lukashenka regime for the release and full rehabilitation of all political prisoners. Ms. Moskalenko also urged the regime in Belarus to cooperate with the expert group and other UN human rights mechanisms.

The majority of UN Human Rights Council member countries, including EU nations, fully supported initiating the work of the independent expert group on Belarus. Delegates also emphasized the Lukashenka regime’s systematic attacks on civil society, the instrumentalization of the judicial system to suppress dissent, and other aspects of the state’s failure to meet its international human rights obligations.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered the closing remarks at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council:

“Over 1,400 political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus. These are teachers, doctors, journalists, activists. What is their ‘crime’? They spoke the truth and dreamed of freedom. 

Many of them are kept incommunicado – without the right to contact the outside world. I haven’t heard from my husband, Siarhei, in over a year. I don’t know if he is alive. We have no news about Mikalai Statkevich, Maryia Kalesnikava, Ihar Losik, and many others. Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski is not receiving the necessary medical care.

This is psychological torture – not only for them but also for their families.

Belarusian prisons are death traps. Five political prisoners have already died in custody since 2020, including Ales Pushkin and Vitold Ashurak. We cannot wait for more deaths.

I urge the United Nations to act. Demand an end to the practice of incommunicado detention. Demand access to medical care and family contact for all political prisoners. This is not just a political issue – it is a matter of life and death.

I call on world leaders to make the release of political prisoners a priority. Speak out. Use your influence. Impose sanctions on the perpetrators. Together, we can stop this terror and bring hope back to Belarus”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

According to Viasna, since the beginning of 2024, more than 55 people have been detained upon their return to Belarus, 17 of whom have been prosecuted. At the same time, the figure may be significantly higher due to human rights defenders not having complete data. Both Belarusians and citizens of other countries, most of whom are Ukrainians, go through special inspection at the border. Subscriptions to independent media, saved photos from protests on your phone or social media, national symbols and even stamps in your passport confirming visits to Ukraine can become a reason for interrogation or detention. If a person is in the BESporiadki database, containing the data of all detainees after the start of the protests in 2020, then there may be no obvious grounds. People are interrogated, their phones are checked, some are handcuffed right on the bus, and others are visited a few days later. Viasna provides up-to-date information about the persecution of people who return to Belarus from abroad.

Human rights activists remind that if you participated in post-election protests, donated to Belarusian initiatives or organizations, left comments on the Internet, supported political prisoners with parcels or money, then it is dangerous to return to Belarus. 

Detentions and interrogations

Since the beginning of 2024, more than 55 people have been detained while crossing the Belarusian border, according to estimates of Viasna human rights activists, half of them were prosecuted under administrative articles. But note that this figure may be much higher due to the lack of complete data. 

The reason for the persecution may be photos from protests in 2020, donations, comments on social media, "extremist" reposts, photos with white-red-white symbols that are found on phones and social media, photos from solidarity actions abroad. Security forces find these on social media when checking phones at the border. Those who are included in the BESporiadki database which has the data of all detainees after the start of the protests in 2020 go through interrogations.

At the same time, in addition to detentions, those who enter the country are interrogated every day. Human rights activists know that customs officers or the KGB also pay attention to stamps confirming visits to Ukraine in the passport. It is also known that thorough checks of all Ukrainians crossing the Belarusian border are continuing. Eyewitnesses say that they can take more than six hours if there are several Ukrainian citizens on the bus. Some who say they are going to Russia are forced to buy a plane ticket from Minsk right at the border.

Checks and detentions are carried out at all working checkpoints with the European Union, including at the border with Russia. Security forces disembark Belarusians from regular buses, meet them at bus or railway stations, or come to their homes after their return. If the detention takes place right at the checkpoint, then the person is usually placed in the nearest police department before the trial, where a report is drawn up against them.

Administrative prosecution

The trials of people detained on the border of Belarus with the EU countries are held monthly. Most cases are handled in the Voraŭnaski District Court and the Leninski District Court of Brest. Most often, people are fined heavily, and some are detained for several days. Reports are usually drawn up for the "dissemination of extremist materials."

For example, the father of a minor child was convicted in Voranava on May 3. He was found guilty under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code and was fined 1,200 rubles (more than 330 euros).

Pay attention! Human rights activists remind that persecution in Belarus have been taking place daily for three and a half 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 on Facebook a new music video 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 also do not forget about your relatives and friends whose messages or photos from the protests can be found on your phone.

Illustration: fernandocobelo.com 

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commenced her visit to the United States by participating in a debate on political prisoners on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, organized by the EU Delegation together with Estonia, Lithuania, Spain, Germany, and France. Diplomats and representatives from more than 30 countries attended the debate, with the foreign ministers of Lithuania and Estonia, the state secretaries of France and Germany, as well as ambassadors from several other countries delivering speeches.

In her address, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the catastrophic situation in Belarus, urging UN intervention. She proposed the following practical steps:

• Urging the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to raise the issue of political prisoners with Lukashenka.

• Demanding that the UN Office in Belarus or humanitarian organizations gain access to political prisoners.

• Exploring diplomatic channels for prisoner exchanges, similar to the Krasikov case or the exchange of POWs with Ukraine.

• Initiating UN Security Council Arria-formula hearings to discuss Belarus, addressing both security and humanitarian aspects.

• Raising the issue of political prisoners in UN debates and resolutions, demanding their release and rehabilitation.

• Discussing the issue of political prisoners with or within the OSCE and ODIHR at the upcoming Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw next month.

• Supporting the International Accountability Platform for Belarus to hold perpetrators to account and the International Humanitarian Fund to support the repressed.

• Making any cooperation with the regime conditional on practical changes, including the release of political prisoners and the cessation of repression.

• Engaging the regime’s partner countries that have leverage and can contribute to the release of political prisoners.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Why a policy of realpolitik towards Alexander Lukashenko’s regime is doomed to fail

Original article: novayagazeta.eu

“If the Belarusian opposition asked me for advice, I would tell them to agree to anything Lukashenko says in exchange for free parliamentary elections and parliamentary immunity,” Ukraine’s former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko said in a recent interview with independent Belarusian media outlet Zerkalo.

Seeing such statements reminds me how strong faith in democracy is among those who have had the good fortune to see it in practice and to live in a democracy. How incontrovertible it is to people with a well-established democratic way of thinking. And how this belief can sometimes lead to an assumption that you can get regimes diametrically opposed to democracy to agree to a smooth transition to democracy of their own volition and agree to set the process of their own self-destruction in motion themselves.

Meanwhile, Belarus is into its fourth decade of Lukashenko’s dictatorial rule. And in this fourth decade, there are clear signs that the transformation of his regime from an authoritarian dictatorship to a totalitarian one is nearing its completion. Any signs of a loosening of his grip, a thaw, liberalisation or democratisation are conspicuous by their absence.

The Belarusian Doctor of Sociology Henadz Korshunau published the latest section of his Barometer of Repression study at the end of July. It is essential reading for anyone who really wants to understand the current scale of repression in Belarus. It gives us an accurate assessment of the situation based on facts, rather than subjective feelings or assumptions.

In its fourth decade of Lukashenko’s rule, there are clear signs that Belarus’s transformation from an authoritarian dictatorship to a totalitarian one is nearing its completion.

Namely, the number of political prisoners was up, the number of new criminal cases against Belarusians who disagree with the Lukashenko regime is at its highest in the last four years, 50,000 people have been detained since the start of the 2020 election campaign and more than 1,700 Belarusian nonprofits have been shut down since 2021, and these are conservative estimates.

Welcome to the reality of living in a dictatorship, democracy’s alternative reality, where democratic thinking often goes to die. Democratic thinking does not and cannot work in such an alternative reality, as reality in a dictatorship functions according to a completely different set of rules.

The rules are simple and the overriding principle is “crush or be crushed”. And all these years Lukashenko has been busy crushing his opponents, journalists, peaceful protesters or political prisoners. He crushes civil rights, freedoms, civil society and private business — anything that poses an internal threat.

His aggression has long since crossed Belarus’s borders too. In addition to the repression at home, the Lukashenko regime has nothing against external terror either: whether by hijacking a civilian aircraft, launching a hybrid migration war with the EU, sending spies and saboteurs to neighbouring European countries or complicity in the war against Ukraine. Crush or be crushed.

We all saw the invasion of Ukraine from Belarusian territory on 24 February 2022. The massacre in Bucha. More than 800 missile strikes launched from Belarus. At least 3,500 Ukrainian children deported directly by the Lukashenko regime. We see the assistance the Lukashenko regime has provided to Russia in circumventing sanctions. We see the mass transfer of weapons to Russia. We see the production of weapons for Russia by the Belarusian military-industrial complex. And who can forget the redeployment of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus?

We see attacks on Polish border guards. We saw the murder of a Polish soldier on the border. We have seen sabotage and arson on Polish territory. And, forgive me for a personal take, but at the end of July I testified to the Polish Prosecutor’s Office in a case of incitement to murder. The target was me, and foreign secret services were to be used to take my life.

Yet we still see proposals suggesting we can come to some sort of agreement with Lukashenko. Or make concessions to him. Sadly, some proposals have even come from people who identify as members of the Belarusian democratic forces.

Proposals to recognise the regime as legitimate, to send European ambassadors, to review sanctions, to implement a “flexible policy” and compromise with Lukashenko. The proposals may look like they come from a parallel reality, but that is the reality of Lukashenko’s dictatorship, and the people making them are effectively calling for normalising and accepting the regime.

Despite being capitulation plain and simple, such proposals do have a certain basis in reality and are partly built on the West’s largely ill-defined and indecisive position towards the Lukashenko regime, which can hardly be called a strategy in its current form.

The position would appear to be one of applying pressure on the regime, but not too much. Impose trade sanctions, but don’t create too much of an economic shock. Harmonise sanctions against the Lukashenko regime and Russia for the war — but not completely. Declare at the highest level the need to bring the Lukashenko regime to book for crimes against humanity and war crimes — but don’t carry it through.

And what do regimes like Lukashenko’s see in such a stand? Weakness. A chance to go on committing their crimes, to pursue terror, to unleash aggression. Because the only language they understand is the language of power. They speak no other language. All they see in half-measures and attempts at diplomacy is a manifestation of weakness, room for manoeuvre and an opportunity to up the ante. And they exploit that.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on her proposed alternative passport scheme, collective responsibility for the war and beating Alexander Lukashenko at the ballot box

What we are seeing is positional action, a reactive rather than proactive tactic. It is a tactic without a strategy. After all, a strategy implies clearly defined goals, and knowing exactly what you want to achieve. And tactics should bring you closer to that goal, tie into that strategy and actively contribute to it.

What should the West’s basic strategic goal towards Belarus be? I think it’s obvious — democratisation, followed by the integration of Belarus into the European community and European civilisation.

Is that possible while Lukashenko prolongs and cements his dictatorship? Of course not. Is it possible to achieve anything other than his further entrenchment with half-measures and concessions? By recognising the regime as legitimate? By lifting sanctions, absolving him of all legal liability? No, it is impossible. Lukashenko’s 30-year rule is proof positive of that, and objective facts clearly outline the trajectory of the regime’s evolution — a totalitarian dictatorship protected by the empire next door. North Korea 2.0.

You’d be hard pushed to find anyone willing to say that realpolitik as applied to dictators who unleashed bloody wars, mass repression and genocide has ever been a successful “strategy”.

To this end, the realpolitik approach, whose adherents propose compromises with Lukashenko, is no longer just a delusion, the self-deception of idealistic democrats who believe that gradual change in such a dictatorship is possible and that there is so much as a grain of sanity and flexibility within it. It is something else entirely. It is conceding the dictatorship’s right to exist.

But once you concede that a dictator living and ruling on the principle of “crush or be crushed” has the “rule of force”, there is only one conclusion he can draw — that he can be confident both of his power and his impunity.

History knows many such examples. And you’d be hard pushed to find anyone willing to say that realpolitik as applied to dictators who unleashed bloody wars, mass repression and genocide has ever been a successful “strategy”. And we can clearly see where this approach has led as regards Lukashenko. It’s as if we can see but don’t want to notice.

There is a concept of eyes on the prize, but when it comes to a strategy for Belarus, the opposite seems to be the case. Without identifying and setting a goal, it is impossible to move from tactics to strategy. The longer that takes, the longer the Belarusian question remains a bleeding wound.

Source: NAM

Dmitri Vasserman, the representative of the People's Embassy of Belarus in Sweden, also participated in the meeting.

During the discussion, the two chairpersons explored a number of important issues, including interparliamentary collaboration between the Swedish Riksdag and the Coordination Council, ensuring freedom of movement for Belarusians, and the legalization of Belarusian refugees in Sweden. A crucial part of the conversation focused on how to fine-tune sanctions to maximize their impact on the illegitimate regime and its commercial and repressive structures, while maintaining openness and cooperation with the already oppressed Belarusian population.

Aliaxandra Mamaeva gave Aron Emilsson a detailed overview of the structure and operations of the Coordination Council, along with insights into other institutions within Belarus’ democratic movement. She also provided an update on the situation in Belarus, highlighting the repressive tactics used by the brutal pro-Russian dictatorship against the country's citizens.

 The meeting ended with a shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in support of human rights and democracy in Belarus. 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

The Belarusian democratic forces and diaspora groups are actively assisting the victims of the flood that has affected several countries in Central Europe, including Poland and the Czech Republic. In this difficult time, Belarusians are showing solidarity and support both within their community and for the affected residents.

The United Transitional Cabinet has organized a hotline to assist Belarusians affected by the floods in Poland and Czechia.

Belarusians themselves are also actively participating in helping those affected by the disaster.

Belarusians in Wrocław (Poland) have mobilized by signing up as volunteers and assisting flood victims in Lower Silesia. An urgent collection of humanitarian aid has been initiated in Warsaw, with people bringing necessary items to collection points across the city.

In the Czech Republic, Belarusians are also joining volunteer efforts. Ryhor Shylin, the father of Varvara, the girl who once donated her drone to Ukraine, is now helping flood victims. At the initiative of the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, Belarusians and Czechs are donating to fundraisers organized by Czech NGOs.

Belarusians living in the flood-affected area are providing information about local needs. For example, Dr. Volha Zharnasek has reported that Šumperk and its vicinity need rubber gloves, shovels, and other items.

“Dear Belarusians, once again, you are demonstrating solidarity and self-organization. When a disaster strikes the countries where you live, you immediately respond, volunteering and raising funds. Thank you for your humanity and empathy. If you have been personally affected by the disaster, please contact us through the hotline, and we will do our best to assist and answer your questions”, comments Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Deputy Head of the Cabinet, Head of the NAM Pavel Latushka held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Simonas Satunas.

"We will continue to work with the Lithuanian government to increase sanctions pressure on Lukashenko's regime until the regime stops repression, releases all political prisoners, stops the migration war on the border with the European Union, and stops supporting Russia in its aggression against Ukraine", — Pavel Latushka noted after the meeting.

Pavel Latushka informed the deputy minister about:

•  the main goal of the work of the National Anti-Crisis Management: using the existing international legal mechanisms, to bring the dictator Lukashenko and his accomplices to accountability for crimes against humanity against the Belarusian people and other international crimes;

•  lack of conditions for conducting competitive and transparent elections in Belarus in 2025. Simonas Satunas noted that if the so-called "elections" in Belarus take place in the same manner as the preparations for them, Lukashenko's regime can expect the next stage of sanctions.

Due to the fact that Simonas Satunas is responsible for sanctions policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, special attention was paid to sanctions issues at the meeting. Pavel Latushka emphasized that the existing "gaps" between the two dictatorial regimes allow Lukashenko to receive the products necessary to support Russian aggression in Ukraine. The issue of increased control over the implementation of already imposed sanctions and the need for an integrated approach to this issue to prevent the circumvention of sanctions restrictions was also discussed. Simonas Satunas noted that he is in favor of further harmonization of sanctions against Lukashenko's regime and Russia.

Pavel Latushka drew the special attention of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania to the ongoing repressions in Belarus. Every day, the regime continues its politically motivated persecution. Dozens of new political prisoners are jailed every month. Arrests of Belarusians returning from abroad continue. Those who provide assistance to political prisoners also fall under repression.

In connection with the fact that the team of the NAM sent a request to the Finance Minister of Lithuania regarding Belarusian cars "stuck" in the port of Klaipeda, the deputy minister presented the position of the Lithuanian side on this issue. The issue of the ban on the entry of vehicles with Belarusian registration into the territory of Lithuania was also touched upon.

"The substantive dialogue with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania demonstrates the coincidence of the positions of the United Transitional Cabinet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania on fundamental issues of further policy towards the Lukashenko’s regime. During the meeting, they noted not only the importance of sanctions pressure on the Lukashenko’s regime, but also the need for international cooperation in the protection of human rights and democratic principles, as well as the need for separation between the Lukashenko’s regime and Belarusians who oppos war and dictatorship", — Pavel Latushka said.

Source: NAM

They met with members of the parliamentary group Friends of Belarus and Marco Villani, a diplomatic representative from Italy’s Ministry of the Interior.

Key topics discussed included:

— Developing a plan for an international parliamentary assembly involving the "Friends of Democratic Belarus" groups;

— Providing updates on the current situation in Belarus;

— Efforts to secure the release of political prisoners, the condition of Maryia Kalesnikava, and the continued pressure on the regime;

— Issues surrounding the legalization and integration of Belarusians in Italy. Specific proposals were made regarding foreigner passports, cooperation with local law enforcement, and integration programs.

The People’s Embassy of Belarus in Italy also prepared a detailed list of challenges faced by Belarusians in the country.

“We shared this list with our Italian colleagues and are now awaiting further consultations with the Ministry of the Interior to continue discussions and identify tools to address these issues. We hope this meeting will open new opportunities for collaboration and improve the overall situation for Belarusian citizens in Italy,” Yulia Yukhno remarked. 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, during his visit to Vilnius. While she expressed her gratitude to the United States for its support and solidarity, the US representative emphasized that the United States will continue to support the people of Belarus and the democratic community. The parties discussed the following topics during the meeting:

📌 The military and political situation inside the country, including Russia’s use of Belarusian airspace for military operations against Ukraine, and the regime’s supply of arms to the Russian army. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the Belarusian people oppose the war.

📌 International efforts to achieve the release of political prisoners, including the possible additional steps the international community and the United States can take to free political prisoners in Belarus and stop the repression.

📌 Non-recognition of the 2025 “election”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya noted that the election will not be transparent, free, or fair, and therefore cannot be recognized by the international community.

📌 Continued Strategic Dialogue between the US and the democratic forces of Belarus. The parties agreed to continue working on several fronts, including political prisoners, media, national identity, and human rights protection, and to hold the next major meeting in the coming months.

📌 Appointment of a US Special Envoy for Belarus. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that such an appointment would enhance coordination between the democratic forces of Belarus and the United States.

📌 Increased support for civil society and independent media. The Belarusian leader proposed continuing and expanding support programs for independent organizations and initiatives, as well as those persecuted.

📌 Sanctions against the regime. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for maintaining sanctions against organizations and individuals involved in repression and facilitating Russia’s war.

📌 Coordinated actions during the UN General Assembly and within the OSCE framework.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The United States of America is our key ally and partner. We agreed to unite our efforts for the release of political prisoners and democratic changes in our country. I expressed gratitude for the US’ unwavering support for Belarusian civil society, independent media, and the comprehensive support from American diplomats. I emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the regime and Belarusians, as well as between Belarus and Russia. We cannot allow our country to become a ‘consolation prize’ for Putin following the war. We will continue the Strategic Dialogue with the US and hope to hold the next high-level meeting later this year”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

We would like to share with you that this convent has repeatedly been involved in scandalous stories in 2020, due to its support for state terror against peaceful Belarusian citizens, and now, due to its support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

For dictator Lukashenko, the support of his illegitimate regime by the convent is very important. He went there Christmas time and “defended” them from what he called to be "attacks by a couple of dozen paid people."

The spiritual leader of the Saint Elisabeth Convent, Andrei Lemeshonok, claims that the whole world is against Russia and Russian Orthodox believers. He calls life in the West sinful and godless and says that Russian Orthodox do not need this "free world, where everything is turned upside down." He openly and publicly hopes for Russia's victory and urges everyone to pray for Putin, his puppet Lukashenko, and Russia's ministers of defense and foreign affairs. It’s not surprising that a religious procession at the convent takes place alongside the sober song "Katyusha" and with a Russian flag bearing the letter "Z."

In the autumn of 2022, Belarusian teenagers were trained to assemble and disassemble automatic rifles at the convent.

A group called "Help to the Brothers" was created at the convent, which takes care of requests for the needs of Russian soldiers, including not only clothing, footwear, or medicine, but also funds to purchase items already used in combat: radios, drones, and thermal imagers. Every couple of weeks, sisters deliver the collected items to Moscow, where they are distributed further.

In 2023 alone, the convent participated in the purchase of at least 11 vehicles for Russian troops. In 2024, the fundraising for this type of purchases continued.

Where do they get the money to support the occupiers?

"One of the main income sources of the Saint Elisabeth Convent is the sale of workshop produce from the convent and the resale of Chinese consumer goods abroad under the guise of workshop produce. For decades, employees from the international department, dressed as sisters of mercy and fluent in foreign languages, have traveled across Europe in trucks, selling various souvenirs, books, and religious items in exchange for foreign currency. These sales are accompanied by claims that the funds raised go to social activities and projects of the convent - “to help the underprivileged and those in need in Belarus."

And the best place for sales are fairs, not in Belarus, but in Europe!

In 2022, Belarusian activists in the United Kingdom and Norway managed to cancel the convent's participation in fairs. Nevertheless, in May 2022 and apparently in December 2022, this did not stop the appearance of sisters in those countries. There were also convent tours noted in Florence, Belgium (photo 1, photo 2) and in Poland.

In March 2023, in Sweden, thanks to the efforts of the People's Embassy of Belarus in Sweden, the convent's trade activities were suspended, and information about them and fundraising for the Russian invasion army in Ukraine appeared in many Swedish newspapers and TV channels.

From September 30 to October 2, 2023, a produce exhibition from the convent was held at Saint Nicholas Cathedral (Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow Patriarchate) in Nice. The People's Embassy of Belarus in France promptly informed Ukrainians in Nice about this.

On September 2, 2023, Belarusian activists spotted the convent's tent at an agricultural exhibition in Częstochowa, Poland. An article about this appeared in the newspaper Wyborcza. However, on October 29, 2023, in Warsaw, a trading tent of the convent was spotted on the territory of the Orthodox Church of St. John Climacus. The People's Embassy of Belarus in Poland sent letters to the city councils of these cities and to local media with information about the activities of the convent. 

In December 2023, nuns participated in Christmas fairs in Florence and Milan. The People's Embassy of Belarus in Italy sent letters to the municipalities of these cities.

In Slovakia, on January 12, 2024, the convent's participation in a fair was canceled, but on January 28, 2024, nuns were spotted in Berlin.

Despite Ireland’s strong support for Ukrainians, in March 2024, the sisters of the monastery received a warm welcome in Ireland. Moreover, they claimed that the humanitarian aid and money they collect in the monastery are taken to Ukraine as assistance by their representative. 

The Irish Ambassador to Poland was informed about this visit. Thanks to contacts from the People's Consulate of Belarus in Scotland, information about the activities of the Saint Elisabeth Convent was also conveyed to Irish MPs.

On March 19, 2024, the investigative media outlet “Bureau” published a major article titled "Holy Accounting: The Business Holding of the Saint Elisabeth Convent," which detailed the laws by which the monastery operates, whose interests it serves, how it earns millions of dollars through “grey” schemes, and what connection Lukashenko's family has to this.

In May of this year, it became known that the monastery sent a letter to Catholic communities in Western Europe denying its involvement in aiding Russian soldiers. At the same time, religious communities in France began to refuse to cooperate with the Saint Elisabeth Convent due to its proven support of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

On June 9, 2024, Sister Nymphadora, responsible for commerce and fundraising in Europe, revealed that the monastery’s messengers are no longer welcomed as warmly as before. Nevertheless, she boasted that they are managing to promote Russian propaganda narratives in Europe, albeit within a limited circle of "loyal friends," some of whom secretly admit that they are "for Putin."

The People’s Embassies of Belarus and Christian Vision are closely monitoring the monastery’s tours, informing politicians, media, and religious organisations in various countries about the activities of the monastery, its support for Lukashenko’s criminal regime’s terror against peaceful Belarusians, and its fundraising for the Russian invasion army in Ukraine.

We call on you to join our campaign and draw Europeans' attention to: 

— the activities of the monastery;

— its participation in fairs in European cities;

— preventing further issuance of Schengen visas and trade rights in Europe for the monastery’s employees.

By allowing the monastery to participate in fairs, European citizens unknowingly provide financial support for war and the killing of Ukrainians.

Let’s work TOGETHER to counter this support!

P.S: We would be happy to answer any questions about the activities of the Saint Elisabeth Convent and share relevant information:

 chat-bot: https://t.me/PEofBelarus_bot 

 email: infopoint@belarusabroad.org

 You can find all information collated about the monastery’s activities here: 

 https://stopsem.churchby.info/ 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

As part of a series of consultations with foreign diplomats accredited in Warsaw, the Deputy Head of the Cabinet Pavel Latushka met with the Swedish Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath at the initiative of the head of the Swedish diplomatic mission. During the meeting, it was noted that Sweden will proceed from the principle of the rule of law in relation to the regime in Belarus. The speaker of the Coordinating Council Anzhalika Melnikova also took part in the meeting.

Pavel Latushka presented the Swedish side with information about the regime's planned "no-elections", continuation and strengthening of repression against Belarusians, Lukashenko's support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as about the role of democratic institutions and the unity of the majority of representatives of the Dems forces of Belarus, which was emphasized during the "New Belarus" conference in Vilnius.

Separately, Pavel Latushka focused on the priorities of the foreign policy strategy of democratic institutions and the strategy of bringing representatives of the regime to international responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Swedish Ambassador was also informed about the international conference "Accountability for the crimes and human rights violations in Belarus", which will be held on September 13 in Vilnius.

The Ambassador assured that Sweden will continue to pursue a proactive policy to support the democratic forces of Belarus, and this approach will not change given the appointment of the new head of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard.

The speaker of the Coordination Council, Anzhalika Melnikova, raised the issue of Sweden's migration policy and possible steps to improve the situation with the granting of international protection status to Belarusian refugees. The speaker noted that this is one of the most important tracks that the People's Embassy in Stockholm and the international commission of the Coordination Council are engaged in today.

Anzhalika Melnikova emphasized that the Coordination Council is interested in expanding cooperation with the Swedish Parliament, including the group for a free and democratic Belarus and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the People's Embassy in Stockholm.

Source: NAM

Summary:

• The repression of dissidents and those who express opposition to the regime in Belarus persists, with the level of criminal prosecution remaining at an alarmingly high rate. The prospect of politically motivated criminal prosecution represents an imminent danger to all individuals who have engaged in protests or expressed criticism of the prevailing political circumstances in the country or of regime officials. Those who have voiced their opinions peacefully or supported protests are also at risk.

• Since the summer of 2020, the human rights community has identified 3,500 individuals as political prisoners, 627 of whom are women. As of August 31, 2024, there were 1,376 individuals recognized as incarcerated on political grounds in Belarus, including 177 women. In August, the human rights community declared 52 people as such. A further 22 former political prisoners were identified as requiring rehabilitation, due to the lack of prior awareness of their identities among human rights activists.

• The Viasna Human Rights Center has several members 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.

• It is known that several political prisoners have been held incommunicado for long periods. Among them are Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Ihar Losik, and Uladzimir Kniha, who have been deprived of contact with the outside world for more than a year and are restricted in communicating with fellow inmates.

• In the four years since August 2020, Viasna has documented over 74,000 instances of repression, encompassing arbitrary detentions, searches, interrogations, and other forms of criminal and administrative prosecution.

• The arbitrary repression of citizens for exercising their civil rights persists. In August, Viasna received information about at least 152 cases of politically motivated repression resulting in criminal and administrative prosecutions, with at least 81 administrative cases being considered by courts.

• In August, the Viasna human rights activists presented a summary of the results of politically motivated criminal prosecutions that had occurred in July. A notable increase in the number of trials has been observed. Based on preliminary data, at least 170 individuals were convicted during July, comprising 134 males and 36 females. Almost half of the convictions were handed down in Minsk. More than half of those sentenced were convicted for taking part in protests in the year 2020 (Article 342 of the Criminal Code). At least 28 people were convicted in absentia.

• The authorities are continuing to expand the lists of individuals and organizations involved in extremist and terrorist activities, as well as the list of extremist materials.

• Viasna human rights defenders still regularly register and document instances of torture and prohibited treatment during politically motivated criminal investigations, as well as in administrative proceedings. The same applies to persecution and imprisonment on political grounds. Detainees are also deprived of adequate medical care.

• In Geneva, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities examined the report of the Belarusian authorities on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The committee highlighted the prevalence of a medical rather than a human rights approach in Belarus, the closure of NGOs, the lack of inclusion of women with disabilities in decision-making processes, the stereotyping of persons with disabilities in the media, the transfer of Ukrainian children from territories temporarily occupied by Russia to Belarus, the situation of refugees on the border between Belarus and the EU, and the practice of non-renewal of Belarusian passports by diplomatic missions abroad. The Committee also observed that the deprivation of legal capacity in Belarus is in contravention of the Convention, that forced psychiatric treatment violates three articles of the Convention, that conditions in Belarusian prisons are not adapted for persons with disabilities, and that many representatives of civil society organizations were unable to attend the meeting due to their detention. The alternative report was presented by human rights defenders, who subsequently met with the Committee.

Politically motivated prosecution. Political prisoners

As of August 31, the total number of political prisoners in detention facilities was 1,376. The group included 177 women and at least 15 individuals with disabilities.

Over 2,100 individuals, including 450 women, have been released due to completing their sentence (1188), change of restraining order, non-custodial sentence, amnesty, or pardon. Some of them died in prison. This brings the total number of political prisoners and former political prisoners to 3,500.

In the four years since August 2020, Viasna has documented over 74,000 instances of repression, encompassing arbitrary detentions, searches, interrogations, etc. In this period, the number of political prisoners has increased a whopping 55.5 times. On August 9, 2020, there were 25 such prisoners. There are at least 6,971 people who are known to be facing criminal charges. In addition, six political prisoners are known to have died in captivity: Aliaksandr Kulinich, Ihar Lednik, Vadzim Khrasko, Ales Pushkin, Mikalai Klimovich, and Vitold Ashurak.

Last month, human rights activists learned of the political imprisonment and recognized 52 people as political prisoners. These included 16 people arrested and detained for exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression (August 7 and August 29 statements); 24 people charged with defamation, incitement to hatred and discord, treason, and other offenses used to selectively and discriminatorily protect government officials, often in closed trials (August 21 and August 22 statements); and 12 people prosecuted for dissent under overly broad and vague extremism legislation (August 23 and August 30 statements).

The human rights community also called for the rehabilitation of 22 former political prisoners, whose identities were revealed to human rights activists following their release.

About 30 political prisoners are known to have been released after completing their prison sentences. This group includes Hleb Ramanau, Ihar Rudchyk, Maksim Razhkou, and Yauhen Kharashkevich. On August 16, a decree was signed granting amnesty to 30 political prisoners. The names of the eight political prisoners on release are yet unknown.

Political prisoner Yauhen Kladau was not released after serving his sentence because he was facing new charges.

Pressure continues on those who remain in detention. For example, Siarhei Ramanau, who had been held in a secure housing unit for six months until May 2024, was returned to segregation in June – for five more months. It is known that Andrzej Poczobut remains in a secure housing unit. Yauhen Afnahel, a European Belarus activist, was transferred to a high-security prison.

As a means of exerting pressure on political prisoners, the extension of their captivity is actively pursued through additional charges of persistent disobedience to prison administration (Art. 411 of the Criminal Code). In August, such charges were filed against Yury Ziankovich, and the trial of Viachaslau Maleichuk commenced. Additional sentences of one year in prison were imposed on Siarhei Dziatsuk, Siarhei Yafimau, and Tsimur Ryzapur. Yahor Ibrahimau was also convicted under this article (the outcome of the trial is not known).

Political prisoners Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Uladzimir Hundar, Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Maksim Znak, Ihar Losik, and Yauhen Afnahel are still being held incommunicado.

Furthermore, the families of political prisoners are subjected to politically motivated persecution. To illustrate, at least 126 individuals have been subjected to administrative prosecution for receiving humanitarian aid through the social initiative INeedHelpBY. Furthermore, more than 20 individuals are currently in custody on criminal charges for assisting political prisoners. Iryna Takarchuk, Alesia Siarhejenka, Alena Dzemianchuk and Nadzeya Leskavets were sentenced to imprisonment.

Natallia Malets was sentenced to imprisonment for sending commissary money to political prisoners.

Belarusians returning home from abroad continue to get detained. For example, Katsiaryna Bystrakova was arrested upon her return to the country for participating in the 2020 protests.

Persecution of human rights defenders

For more than three years, Viasna activists Maria Rabkova, Andrei Chapiuk, Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich have been imprisoned for their human rights activities.

Nasta Loika, a human rights defender from Human Constanta, has been imprisoned for one year and ten months for her human rights work.

At least seven defense lawyers are imprisoned on political grounds.

Torture and ill-treatment

It has been revealed that Maria Kalesnikava, a political prisoner whose relatives have been unable to contact her for an extended period, has experienced a significant loss of weight while in captivity. Based on reports from former prisoners, she now weighs approximately 45 kg and is 175 cm tall. She is restricted from receiving medical care.

It has been observed that special agencies are continuing to force detainees in politically motivated cases to record videos of confessions and apologies ("penitential videos") for subsequent publication in pro-government media.

Political prisoners continue to face pressure and arbitrary placement in punitive isolation cells for extended periods. This means remaining in solitary confinement in degraded conditions and a ban on correspondence or lawyer visits. Human rights activists became aware of the fact that the anarchist Mikalai Dziadok has been in a punishment cell since June. The human rights activist Andrei Chapiuk spent 10 days there, including the day of the planned family visit. Political prisoner Yahor Lebiadok was also punished with 10 days in segregation. Anarchist Ihar Alinevich, who was regularly placed in a punishment cell by the prison administration, went on a hunger strike in June, was admitted to a prison hospital over a stomach ulcer, but then returned to prison.

Former political prisoner Siarhei Monich told about the conditions of detention in the punishment cells in Mahilioŭ Prison No. 4. The poor quality of the food provided and the limited amount of commissary money allowed to spend on food leads to rapid weight loss and generally poor health. It is also noted that the punishment cell is very cold and has no heating.

Former political prisoner Viktar Pantsialeyeu provides an overview of the conditions of detention in the punishment cell at Remand Prison No. 7. The cell measures 1.5 meters by 1.5 meters and contains a toilet in the form of an unfenced hole in the floor, a folding bed, a small table, and a small stool.

Viktar Pantsialeyeu also outlines the conditions of prison escort to court, noting that deliberately inhumane treatment is applied specifically to political prisoners. All transfers are performed in the "swallow" position, with the hands secured behind an inmate’s back and twisted upward while their torso and head are lowered into a semi-bent position.

A woman detained while crossing the border described the conditions of detention for women in the temporary detention center in Brest: the cell is unhygienic and infested with bedbugs, and the toilet is a hole in the floor with no partition. No personal hygiene items were handed out. Meanwhile, women who were detained for failure to pay child support were issued mattresses for the night.

Lack of fair trial in politically motivated cases

By Decree No. 298, Aliaksandr Lukashenka appointed several judges to new positions or new five-year terms, including a large number of those involved in politically motivated prosecutions.

Judges Viachaslau Tuleika, Alena Ananich, Anatol Sotnikau, Ihar Shvedau, Tattsiana Shotsik, Vasil Skok, Stanislau Ivaniutsenka, Aliaksei Khlyshchankou, Ihar Ziamtsou, Volha Dubovich, Anton Dudal, Mikalai Serhiyevich, Andrei Mlechka, and prosecutor Iryna Padkavyrava were included in the new EU sanctions package.

Social activists and regime opponents continue to face trials in absentia. For example, on August 2, journalist Ales Kirkevich was sentenced in absentia to 7 years in prison for giving an interview to an independent media outlet that the authorities had declared an extremist formation.

Court hearings in politically motivated criminal cases continue to be unjustifiably held in closed session and in complete secrecy.

Violation of freedom of association

The mass forced liquidation of NGOs persists. The court is to consider the claims of the authorities to liquidate the International Public Association "Cultural Exchange," the Public Association "Sports Club BKHM," and the International Public Association "Alternative."

ProWomenBY, a non-profit organization, announced its closure due to pressure from authorities.

Anarchist Black Cross Belarus social media accounts have been declared extremist material.

The non-profit organization OEEC has been declared an extremist formation. The organization's employees may be held criminally liable.

The prosecution of pro-democratic political structures, public initiatives, and associations persists. On August 28, the trial of the individuals involved in the "Talent Pool for New Belarus" initiative commenced.

The persecution of neighborhood communities, which played a pivotal role in mobilizing for the 2020 protests, persists. We have been informed that another "neighborhood chat" administrator, Aliaksei Yaumenenkau, has been detained.

Individuals who provide financial support to public organizations and initiatives that are viewed as contrary to the interests of the government are still facing legal action for promoting extremist views.

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

It is of concern that criminal prosecutions for exercising the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression continue unabated. There have been instances where individuals have been prosecuted en masse and have received severe penalties, including imprisonment.

On August 5, the Leninski District Court of Brest announced the sentences of eight participants in the August 10, 2020 protests. The individuals sentenced were Ivan Amreichyk, Vasil Niparko, Aliaksei Samoiluk, Anatol Zakurko, Ihar Sarokin, Siarhei Dzemidziuk, Mikita Yakhimovich, and Valiantsina Zhukouskaya. All individuals were charged under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to "participation in group actions that grossly violate public order," and were subsequently sentenced to imprisonment.

The list of individuals subject to special proceedings is being expanded. The expression of opinion and participation in peaceful assemblies continue to be prosecuted and punished in absentia. In August, five such defendants were added to the list, bringing the total to 117.

On August 2, the Hrodna Kastryčnicki District Court found activist Katsiaryna Tumanava guilty under Part 1 of Articles 342 and 364 of the Criminal Code and sentenced her in absentia to two and a half years of imprisonment. 

A previously amnestied political prisoner (Amnesty Act in Honor of the Day of National Unity No. 220-Z of December 7, 2022) was also prosecuted. Thus, on August 14, 2024, the Court of Baranavičy District and Baranavičy City passed a guilty verdict and sentenced Piotr Zinevich to two years and six months of imprisonment for committing a crime under Article 342 of the Criminal Code. He allegedly participated in a protest on the night of August 9-10, 2020. On January 11, 2023, Zinevich was freed from punishment for committing a crime under Article 188 of the Criminal Code (slander) with the cancellation of the criminal record.

As the Mahilioŭ Viasna chapter reported, the Hlusk District Court has sentenced a 15-year-old schoolgirl to two years in a special educational institution for allegedly "intentionally insulting a policeman by making a video clip of an offensive nature, which was posted on the Internet, i.e. a crime under Article 369 of the Criminal Code."

As previously noted by the Viasna human rights activists, special closed educational institutions are places of deprivation of liberty. However, the process of depriving individuals of their liberty in these facilities does not meet the standards of due process, including the right to legal representation for defendants. This case concerns the arbitrary and politically motivated persecution of a minor.

Administrative prosecution

In August, Viasna was informed of no fewer than 152 instances of politically motivated repression resulting from criminal and administrative prosecution. Of these cases, 81 administrative cases were considered by courts. In 90% of cases, Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code was invoked for the distribution of information materials deemed extremist by the authorities. Additionally, several cases were adjudicated under Article 24.23 of the Administrative Violations Code for "unauthorized picketing" and Article 24.15 for the use of "foreign gratuitous aid," which refers to material support for victims of political repression.

Please note that the results of administrative prosecutions and the number of detentions related to criminal and administrative prosecutions are frequently not communicated to human rights defenders or are delayed due to the prevailing atmosphere of fear and the threat of further reprisals. The data cannot be evaluated as an indicator of changes in the level of repression, particularly over short periods and without consideration of the evolving circumstances surrounding the collection of information.

Harassment of journalists and media workers

As of August 31, 35 journalists and media professionals have been incarcerated.

On August 19, the Hrodna Regional Court found journalist and human rights activist Uladzimir Khilmanovich guilty in absentia of "other assistance to extremist activities" (Part 1 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code), "repeated assistance to extremist activities", and "joining an extremist group with the intention of committing an extremist crime" (Part 3 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code).

For the totality of the crimes committed, the court has decided to cumulatively sentence Khilmanovich to five years of imprisonment and a fine of $12,250. The arbitrary prosecution was a direct result of Khilmanovich's human rights and journalistic activities.

On August 16, the decision was made to grant clemency to some political prisoners. On August 20, journalist Kseniya Lutskina, who had been sentenced to eight years in prison on arbitrary charges of conspiracy to seize power by unconstitutional means, was released by pardon.

The website of the regional independent media Orsha.eu has been recognized as an extremist formation. The founder of the outlet, human rights defender Ihar Kazmerchak, is under criminal investigation.

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

Legislation designed to combat extremism and terrorism is being employed by the Lukashenka regime as a means of politically motivated persecution of political opponents and dissidents, to impede their ability to exercise their civil and political rights.

In August, seven new items were added to the list of extremist formations. In a decision by the KGB, the Association of Political Prisoners of Belarus has been designated as an extremist formation.

In a decision dated August 15, the Ministry of Internal Affairs added the Polish non-governmental foundation Wolność i Demokracja (Freedom and Democracy) to the list of entities subject to restrictions. The foundation advocates for human rights, civil liberties, and freedom of speech in Belarus and other post-Soviet countries. An important area of the Foundation's activities is supporting Polish organizations in the post-Soviet space, mainly in Belarus, Ukraine, and Lithuania, but also in other countries around the world. The persecution of a foreign organization represents yet another episode of the anti-Polish policy of the Aliaksandr Lukashenka regime. Before that, the authorities took action to suppress and eradicate Polish national minority organizations, incarcerating their leaders and demolishing the graves of Armia Krajowa soldiers.

In August, the Russian Orthodox Church – Tsarist Empire, a religious community of Russian origin, was designated as an extremist formation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry cited the group's "gross distortion" of Orthodox Church doctrines and practices, its opposition to other religious organizations and society at large, and its promotion of discord among Belarusian citizens. It is important to note that these allegations cannot, in and of themselves, serve as grounds for restricting freedom of conscience. The freedom to manifest religion or belief is subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, and morals, as well as the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. It is not reasonable to prosecute individuals for engaging in religious activities. Such actions are an infringement on an individual's right to freedom of conscience.

In August, 92 individuals were added to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Nationals, and Stateless Persons Engaged in Extremist Activities. The oldest individual on the list is over 75 years old, while the youngest were convicted of participating in street protests and subsequently included on the List as minors.

In accordance with 112 court decisions, the Republican List of Extremist Materials has been updated to include Telegram, YouTube and TikTok channels, social media pages, and other sources and media identified as extremist.

In particular, several books by historian and political prisoner Ihar Melnikau are declared extremist materials. Melnikau is charged with promoting extremist activity under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code.

Those engaging in activities that have been arbitrarily labeled as extremist are subject to criminal prosecution and arbitrary imprisonment.

For example, a Belarusian woman was extorted for a huge ransom under threat of prosecution for making several donations to protest initiatives. Before the disbursement of the "compensation," which amounted to a significant multiple of the donations (up to several thousand euros), the woman was held in a detention center under conditions that were akin to torture.

On July 25, Brest Regional Court handed down a two-year prison sentence to 63-year-old table tennis coach Yury Lahadziuk, according to a report from the Viasna Brest chapter. He was found guilty under Part 1 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code for "promoting extremist activity". The gravamen remained unknown to human rights activists. The sentence was handed down by Judge Andrei Siz.

On August 19, the Hrodna Regional Court commenced proceedings in the criminal case against 68-year-old Brest resident Natallia Zhyhar. She is charged under Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promoting extremist activity). The case is being considered by Judge Valer Ramanouski.

The Brest chapter of Viasna reports that the case is connected to the support of individuals detained in remand centers on political grounds.

Iryna Pahadayeva and Natallia Malets were imprisoned under the same article in the last few months.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

The People's Embassy of Belarus in Sweden has released a new document designed to assist Belarusian asylum seekers and their legal representatives in challenging common claims made by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) that lead to asylum rejections.

This document meticulously analyzes the typical claims made in rejection decisions and offers well-supported counterarguments, drawing on reports from international organizations as well as the Migration Agency’s own documents. The goal is to provide a robust tool that helps strengthen asylum cases by addressing these points proactively.

The document currently covers four key claims frequently used by Migrationsverket:

Migration Agency Claim:

1. If an individual was able to legally leave Belarus, it suggests they are not at risk. 

Counterargument: The document clarifies that the Belarusian regime often uses forced exile as a form of punishment. The ability to leave the country does not guarantee safety upon return, as many face severe risks if they go back.

2. "Limited dissemination" of critical posts on social media supposedly reduces the risk of persecution.

Counterargument: The document highlights the reality of digital totalitarianism in Belarus, where even minimal online dissent can attract severe reprisals, contrary to the belief that limited exposure lessens danger.

3. Individuals who were not prominent opposition figures are not at risk. 

Counterargument: The document demonstrates that the Belarusian regime’s surveillance and repression extend far beyond prominent figures, targeting a wide range of perceived dissidents, including those with minimal public profiles.

4. Delayed asylum applications indicate a lack of urgency or need for protection. 

Counterargument: This document is intended to be a "living" resource, continuously updated with new information and insights from human rights organizations and legal experts representing Belarusian asylum seekers.

We believe that this document can also be a valuable resource for the Swedish Migration Agency as it reviews Belarusian asylum cases. We would like to emphasize the urgent need to halt deportations of Belarusian nationals whose cases have been decided, while this review is ongoing. Allowing these deportations to proceed would be inconsistent and could expose individuals to significant danger.

The document is available here: [Link to Document] 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

In Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, the chairman of the human rights centre "Viasna" and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2022, has been sitting innocently in prison since 14 July 2021. Ales Bialiatski is one of more than 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus. They are all imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ales Bialiatski and all other political prisoners by the Belarusian regime. We call on all authorities of the Republic of Belarus to immediately end the intimidation, persecution and imprisonment of peaceful demonstrators, opposition activists, human rights activists, students and media representatives.

The imprisonment of political prisoners and the persecution of political dissidents are serious violations of human rights, which Belarus, as a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has undertaken to respect. We would like to remind the diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Belarus of their country's international obligations and call on the Belarusian authorities to grant the fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association to all people in Belarus without restrictions.

Why is this important?

Ales Bialiatski was arrested on 14 July 2021 and is only one of many political prisoners in Belarus who are innocently in prison because they are committed to freedom, democracy and human rights. In 1996, Bialiatski founded the Belarusian human rights centre Viasna, which today can only operate from exile. In 2022, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize together with the Russian NGO Memorial and the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to award Ales Bialiatski the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize is an important sign of solidarity with all political prisoners in Belarus, whose fate we must not forget.

Since Belarus' presidential election in August 2020, which according to the OSCE was rigged, people have been arbitrarily detained and unlawfully sentenced every day in the EU's neighbouring country. In 2020 and 2021, more than 40,000 politically motivated arrests were counted and more than 1,800 cases of state torture were documented.

There are currently over 1,400 people in political detention, including 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Violence, arbitrariness, torture and repression against citizens, human rights organisations and independent journalists are commonplace.

How will the signatures be handed over?
A handover to a Belarusian embassy is planned.

At the moment, more than 82 thousand people have signed the petition.  Every signature, every voice is very important!

You can sign the petition via the link: [link to petition]

In a recent meeting, Pavel Latushka, deputy head of the Unified Transitional Cabinet, and Marko Stuchyn, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, discussed ongoing international efforts to isolate the regime of Alexander Lukashenka. Slovenia expressed its continued support for expanding sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, aligning them closely with measures against the Russian Federation due to its aggression against Ukraine.

During their talks, Latushka highlighted the importance of enhancing sanctions while avoiding measures that could adversely affect ordinary Belarusians. He pointed out that while increasing pressure is crucial, it is equally vital to ensure that the Belarusian public does not suffer from these international policies.

Slovenia has committed to providing expert legal consultations to the Unified Transitional Cabinet and the People’s Anti-Crisis Administration, specifically in matters related to holding Lukashenka accountable at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Preliminary agreements were made to hold consultations in Ljubljana soon.

Due to the absence of a Slovenian diplomatic mission in Belarus, the issuance of visas for Belarusian citizens planning to travel to Slovenia was also discussed. Stuchyn promised to convey the request for visa facilitation to the consular department of Slovenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, possibly involving a third EU member state in the process.

Furthermore, Stuchyn informed that Slovenia is prepared to issue transit documents for Belarusian citizens residing in Slovenia who are facing issues with their identification documents, including expired passports. The Belarusian People’s Embassy in Slovenia is actively involved in this matter, with precedents already set for such document issuance.

The meeting also touched upon issues related to opening bank accounts for Belarusian citizens in Slovenian commercial banks, aiming to ease financial transactions for those affected by the ongoing crisis.

This collaboration marks a significant step in supporting Belarusian citizens amid their country's political turmoil, ensuring they receive necessary legal and logistical support while abroad. 

Source: The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus 

In recent days, after two Belarusian citizens were deported from Sweden, with one of them arrested right at the border, there have been significant discussions about the asylum situation for Belarusians in Sweden. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, shares what Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has done in response to the situation.

📎 Consultations are ongoing with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Migration, the Lithuanian Embassy in Sweden, the Lithuanian government, and human rights defenders. Thanks to Dmitri Vasserman and the People’s Embassy in Sweden, we have managed to raise the issue to a high level.

📎 In recent months, the cooperation between the Office with the Swedish side has led to a reassessment of the situation in the country. Belarus is no longer considered a safe country for return. It is now crucial that the Migration Agency acts according to the new guidelines, as it makes decisions independently of the government. The Ministry of Migration has committed to facilitating and cooperating on this matter.

📎 The Office has proposed a moratorium on the deportation of our citizens to Belarus. The Migration Agency has pledged to review recent decisions on Belarusians within months, and we are negotiating to suspend deportations until the reviews are completed.

📎 Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’ Office is now developing guidelines and advice for Belarusians to help prevent similar situations.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, sent a letter to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, confirming that she is well aware of the case involving Belarusian movie director, activist, and journalist Andrei Hniot.

“The European Commission is in direct contact with the Serbian side. More specifically, the EU Delegation in Belgrade attended the court hearing and immediately contacted the authorities after the decision of the Higher Court. We have communicated our position on Mr. Hniot’s case to the country’s leadership and outlined our expectations. Andrei Hniot’s case must be handled in accordance with international human rights laws and EU standards”, noted Ursula von der Leyen.

The European Commission President also emphasized that EU countries have repeatedly conveyed the following to the Serbian authorities:

🔴 The arrest warrant for Mr. Hniot is politically motivated;

🔴 If extradited to Belarus, he would face persecution.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office works daily at the political level on the extradition issues faced by Belarusians in more than 15 countries. Regarding Andrei Hniet’s case, the Office is in constant communication with Belarusian and international human rights defenders, the foreign ministries of several European countries, representatives of EU bodies, the US, the UN, and Serbia. The Office also maintains regular contact with Andrei himself. Thanks to this cooperation between democratic forces and the international community, Interpol canceled its red notice for Andrei Hniot in July.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Mikalai (the name was changed for security reasons) spent almost two years in prison. In June, the man was released from Viciebsk colony № 3 on the expiration of his sentence. To avoid being put behind bars again, the former political prisoner was forced to leave Belarus. Mikalai told Viasna how prisoners are deprived of the right to medical care and forced to do hard labor, about denunciations of the Belarusian language, beatings of prisoners, as well as severe restrictions on political activity. 

"The sentence has not yet come into effect and they have already taken me to the penal colony"

The man was accused of participating in the post-election protests in Minsk and sentenced to imprisonment. Immediately after the trial and even before the appeal was considered, he was transferred to Viciebsk penal colony № 3. At that time his sentence had not yet become final.

"When someone is going to be transferred, they give you time to pack. But they just grabbed me in a few minutes and told me to pack my things quickly. And they took me to the penal colony. I was only in quarantine for an hour, I didn't even know where I was. I did not understand what was going on and I thought it was illegal. The sentence has not yet come into effect and they have already taken me to the penal colony.

And they did not understand what to do with me there because I had not yet been sentenced. So they put me in solitary confinement. The hardest thing when you sit like that is not knowing how long you have to sit and where you are. I ended up in solitary confinement for two months."

"Immediately they do everything to break a person"

After the appeal was heard, Mikalai was transferred to quarantine.

"You go to quarantine and immediately they do everything to break a person. Penal colony No. 3 is a "red" colony. Not "black," where thieves rule, but red. There are also many policemen there. Everyone is under the administration's leadership."

According to Mikalai, prisoners who come to the colony are forced to sign papers stating that the person agrees to do whatever the administration says.

"I don't understand why they don't shoot you"

"There is no medical care in the colony. There's analgin if it's a critical situation. 

And all the things that people say about their teeth are true. They don't want to provide dental care. If you get sick in the penal colony, there's nothing you can do, and no one will help you."

In addition, the former political prisoner said that there are two men in Viciebsk colony who were sentenced for making political statements, who have serious mental illnesses and therefore require special examination.

"A psychologist works in the colony. One day, the command went to the industrial zone and asked the psychologist why ordinary prisoners could be removed from the "suicidal" profile, but not political prisoners. And he said: "I don't understand why they don't shoot you."

"Three people seem to have died in just one day"

On May 7, 2023, Mikalai Klimovich, a 61-year-old political prisoner, blogger and social activist from Pinsk, died in Viciebsk Colony № 3. The man had a group II disability due to a disease of the heart system, suffered a stroke and complicated heart surgery. Nevertheless, the Pinsk court sentenced him to imprisonment. Mikalai spent a little more than two months in prison.

Mikalai was also in that colony. Viasna asked him if he knew about the death of a political prisoner.

"I heard about Klimovich's death. I suppose he did not survive the transfer. After all, there is a special attitude to political prisoners there. If a booth is for four people, and they push 20 people in there, it really is true. So if a person has a weak heart, he might not be able to stand it. And then the quarantine is very stressful. I think three people died there in one day."

"Many people are beaten in the colony"

Viasna often records facts about the use of physical violence against political prisoners. Most often, beatings and torture are used during arrest, but some continue to be abused in detention centers. Mikalai says that this also happens in the Viciebsk colony.

"Many people are beaten in the colony, not only political prisoners. If the staff doesn't like something, or if you give the wrong answer, they can certainly beat you. For example, those who are in the SHIZO. What difference does it make if even a lawyer is not allowed to visit them? So no one will know that you are sitting there beaten."

"We raise our hands and they count how many extremists and terrorists there are"

There is a special attitude to political prisoners in the colony, even sports were not allowed.

Once Mikalai refused to perform at a concert in a club in the colony, for which he was deprived of a Skype call. Political prisoners in general could not call their relatives for months, while every week is allowed.

"In addition, we raise our hands and they count how many extremists and terrorists there are. Murderers and drug addicts walk around with white tags, but we walk around with yellow tags. For every 40 people, there were 10 of us in the front - extremists.

People are in prison for nothing. You write "cockroach" and you get eight years. And there are murderers who get seven years for killing a man. I feel sorry for these people. Everyone is there: writers, poets, artists, IT specialists, former employees. There is someone interesting to talk to. Dzmitry Yurtayeu was imprisoned with us, and his books were in the library.

It is said that there are no friends in prison. That's not true. We were all friends."

"Are you crazy to speak Belarusian here?"

The administration does not approve of the Belarusian language in the colony. According to Mikalai, one of the employees tore up pictures and texts written in Belarusian.

"He said to me: "Are you crazy to speak Belarusian here?" There are people in the colony who make reports, so-called snitches, they tell the administration what these extremists are doing. And they can come and go through your bag looking for violations. And even with the first offense, they can send you to SHIZO (a punishment cell). And if there are three serious violations, they can add two more years to your sentence (under Article 411 of the Criminal Code). 

And this is not just because you speak Belarusian there. It's just a tense situation there because of the terrible conditions and the fact that there's little space and it's the same thing every day."

"It's so cold that you can die"

Mikalai says the conditions in the prisoners' cell-type facility (PKT) are terrible.

"No sunlight enters the cell. In winter it is very cold because the window is open. It is so cold that you can die. 

There are no mattresses in the SHIZO cells. Some sleep on an iron bed, others sleep on a wooden board.

They used to take me down these corridors to beat me up. All in all, there are single cells, and there are cells for four and six people."

"You just get poisoned by the USSR and that war"

"In the colonies there is very hard work that political prisoners are forced to do. Political prisoners do only hard work, they are not given light work. For example, we carry logs, boards. Some of them dismantle metal, and it gets so bad that their skin peels off. We also made some boxes, but we don't know what they are for. We made some uniforms for the Russian army. But I don't know exactly where they went.

There's also this cultural and correctional work all the time. They do propaganda there. All the time "war", "Soviet times", posters with "sickle and hammer" everywhere. You just get poisoned by the USSR and that war".

Political prisoners are forced to work even when they are ill. Mikalai remembers one time when he had a fever and was not allowed to see a doctor and was forced to go to work.

What saved in detention

"The administration, with its conditions, can make a tougher regime. It's hard. You wake up every day at six o'clock and the same thing starts. The only thing that saves you is books and trying to do sports. But it is important to eat well, and they make a salad out of the packages - they cut everything up and mix it. And when the package comes, it's a very hard day, because you have to lay everything out and sign it. And at that moment there can be some important things in the prison that you can't miss. And without packages, you can't survive on this food."

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on Belarus’ Independence Day:

“Dear Belarusians!

Belarus became an independent state on this day 33 years ago. What many generations of Belarusians had dreamed of finally became a reality. Our country returned to the map of Europe. We regained our state, our coat of arms, and our flag, and later adopted our own Constitution.

In Belarus’ history, the events of March 25, 1918, when the Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR) proclaimed its independence, July 27, 1990, when the Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted, and August 25, 1991, when the Declaration gained the status of constitutional law, all stand as milestones in Belarusians’ struggle for the right to have our own state.

Some people say that independence ‘fell out of a clear blue sky’. This is not true. Belarus’ independence became possible thanks to the struggle and work of generations of Belarusian patriots: the founding fathers of the BNR and the participants of the Slutsk Uprising; the Belarusian underground resistance; youth associations and the intelligentsia; the diaspora, which defended the interests of Belarusians across the world during the years of Soviet occupation; tens of thousands of Belarusians who, despite fear and propaganda, took to the central squares in Minsk and other cities and towns; and, of course, the brave opposition members of the Supreme Soviet who enshrined Belarus’ independence in foundational laws.

Our country’s entire history is actually about fighting for freedom. We rose every time they tried to enslave us. We waged partisan battles every time the army lacked soldiers. We transitioned to quiet protests and did not let the freedom-loving Belarusian heart stop beating every time it seemed all was lost.

Belarusians possess qualities that have always helped us endure dark times, like patience and diligence, tolerance and peace-loving nature, a sense of justice, and a love for our land. And I believe these qualities and our solidarity will allow us to reclaim our home, free people from prisons, and defend the independence of our country like they did before. As 2020 showed, we Belarusians know how to make ourselves known and surprise the world.

Let us all continue the fight. Do not let dictators make you lose faith or doubt the chosen path. Spread information among your neighbors, friends, and family. Speak Belarusian. Show solidarity. Help those in need, especially our political prisoners, the repressed, and volunteer fighters. Let these be small steps that you take daily. “Through storms and obstacles, we march towards our goal. And we will reach it, as long as it is still there”, said Ales Bialiatski, our wise and unbreakable Nobel laureate.

And I would like to address those who work within the system, in the state apparatus and the army. I know there are many decent people among you. Regardless of your views, positions, and duties, remember. Independence is the highest value and the greatest achievement of our people. Do not allow the regime to destroy what we achieved on August 25, 1991, sell our country to Russia, and drag our nation into war. You must serve the Belarusian people, not a criminal dictator who is willing to sacrifice the country’s independence to maintain his power.

In conclusion, I want to once again congratulate all Belarusians on August 25 – the Day of Restoration of Independence. But I am confident there will be another date – the day when the Belarusian people finally cast off the burden of dictatorship for good and, as Yakub Kolas wrote, emerge ‘into the open space, onto the broad expanse’ to rebuild our country for ourselves and future generations.

Long Live Belarus!”

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Constitutional Reform, Anatoli Liabedzka, explained in an interview with Navy Chas why the regime is rushing to conduct the “special operation” called a “presidential election”. He also spoke on how the democratic forces view this “campaign”.

📌 “The authorities tend to hold major events like elections in winter when people are more tied to their homes and workplaces. It’s easier to control them then”.

📌 “Whether it’s February 23 or April 1 – it doesn’t matter. What matters is that both the candidates and the outcome are predetermined”.

📌 “There are three groups of people. The first refuses to participate in the campaign because of election fraud. The second supports active actions. The third group includes people who might want to abstain but are dependent on the government through work or dormitories. All these people support free elections because they took to the streets in 2020. This is why we should prioritize fair elections. We need to work with both our supporters and those who are unsure”.

📌 “Politicians representing different groups need to agree not to engage in confrontation. If we waste time criticizing each other’s positions, we’ll lose the chance to engage with the broader society, including those who are hesitant. We won’t be able to explain that free and fair elections are not just about the right to vote but also about the economy, welfare, and salaries…”

📌 “There will be a battle inside the country. Lukashenka will try hard to create the impression that what happened in 2020 was something debatable but five years have passed, the page is turned, and people have supposedly come to their senses and, like sheep with their heads down, have returned to the shepherd”.

📌 “We need to find a compromise to offer something to Belarusians within Belarus. It must first and foremost be safe for people, and we must prioritize struggling for a free election rather than convincing each other of who’s right or wrong”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Why sanctions against the regime require a new approach, why it’s important to support Belarusians, why Belsat TV must be preserved, and what consequences the West might face if it excludes Belarus from the agenda – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed all this in an interview with the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita.

📌 “Democratic countries must remember that aid for Belarus is not some kind of charity. It’s an investment in European security because Belarus has strategic importance. Let’s hope they haven’t missed the timing for this investment”.

📌 “People inside Belarus are not giving up. All the information about how the regime circumvents sanctions, its financial schemes, and details about nuclear weapons – we receive this from the regime insiders. They are our supporters”.

📌 “Sanctions must affect the regime’s trade, not ordinary people. The dictator doesn’t deserve such gifts. Discrimination against Belarusians only fuels Lukashenka’s propaganda. He will claim that the West doesn’t want our people and they are not welcome there”.

📌 “We must continue to fight. We have no moral right to say, ‘Sorry, it didn’t work out’. Neither do our partners. How will Western politicians look each other in the eye after abandoning the fight against Lukashenka?”

📌 “We’re not only focusing on building institutions in exile. We had to make sure that Belarusians both in exile and in the country receive appropriate support. Now there are many initiatives, each one focusing on specific problems”.

📌 “Belsat is a unique project. It’s the only Belarusian-language channel, an outstanding project launched by Poland. We are fighting against the massive propaganda machines of Lukashenka and Putin. We need to strengthen this fight, not weaken it. I am trying to explain this to our partners”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

For more than four years law enforcement agencies in Belarus have been carrying out mass repressions. Almost every week the number of political prisoners in the country increases, and every day human rights activists receive information about detainees' terrible conditions, pressure from the prison administration, and the worsening health of political prisoners in custody. Viasna reports the latest news about political prisoners.

48 people were recognized as political prisoners over the past week. At the moment there are 1,385 people on the list of political prisoners. In addition, human rights activists learned that 42 political prisoners had served their sentences and were released, including Vadzim Yermashuk, Dzianis Pishchala, Ruslan Akostka, Mikalai Kazlou and Bahdan Karavets.

Human rights activists also learned about the sentences of eight political prisoners in politically motivated cases:

• Siarhei Dziatsuk - another year in penal colony;

• Siarhei Yafimau - another year in penal colony;

• Andrei Kudzik - four years in prison;

• Natallia Levaya - six years in penal colony;

• Pavel Belaholau was sentenced to three years and four months in penal colony;

• Ales Sabaleuski - four years in penal colony;

• Yauhen Hlushkou - three years in penal colony;

• Natallia Malets - three and a half years in penal colony.

Military analyst Yahor Lebiadok was placed in SHIZO for 10 days

Judge Alena Misnik sentenced the political prisoner to five years’ imprisonment in a medium-security penal colony under Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promotion of extremist activity).

According to the case materials, Lebiadok "in order to support the activities of a public destructive channel, the information products of which were recognized by the court as extremist materials, gave an interview to a representative of the channel on the topic of the special military operation of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine and the role of Belarus in it".

Yahor is serving his sentence in Ivacevičy penal colony. According to MAYDAY TEAM, the political prisoner recently served at least 10 days in a punishment cell (SHIZO).

Political prisoner Viachaslau Maleichuk is tried for the third time for "malicious disobedience to the colony administration"

On February 10, 2023, Viachaslau, who was earlier sentenced to 23 years in prison, was also found guilty under Article 411 of the Criminal Code. Judge Mikalai Siarheika added him a year in penal colony. After the verdict Maleichuk was sent to penal colony No. 9 in Horki. A few months later he was prosecuted for the second consecutive criminal case under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code.

His next trial took place on August 23 last year. Viachaslau did not admit his guilt. Judge Alena Verabyova added two more years of imprisonment to 23 years of colony.

On August 7, the third trial over the political prisoner for "disobedience to the administration" started in Mozyr District Court. Judge Anatol Strelchanka is considering the case. He can add two more years of imprisonment.

Political prisoner Andrzej Poczobut is still in a punishment cell (PKT)

The Hrodna journalist has been behind bars for 40 months. On February 8, 2023, he was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. Now he is serving his sentence in Navapolack colony No. 1, where he is constantly put under pressure.

During the action of solidarity with political prisoners in Bialystok, Marek Zaniewski, vice-chairman of the Union of Poles in Belarus, said that Poczobut was still kept in PKT:

"Unfortunately, there is no information about Andrzej. He continues to be in Navapolack, sitting in isolation and nothing is happening. All this information that has been playing for the last months, some people said that he was released, some people said that he was taken to the border.

Of course, none of this is true, it's all fake. We are very disappointed that such situations are happening. The situation with Andrzej remains very difficult and today we do not see it improving".

Political prisoner Viachaslau Sheliamet will be transferred to a prison security level 

Viachaslau, 23, has been in custody for almost four years. He was arrested on August 20, 2020 for participating in a protest in Pinsk on the night of August 9-10.

On April 30, 2021, in a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code, the Maskouski District Court of Brest rendered a verdict against 14 Pinsk political prisoners accused of "participation in mass riots". Viachaslau was sentenced to five and a half years in a medium-security penal colony.

He was sent to Viciebsk penal colony No. 3 to serve his sentence. According to "Brestskaya Viasna", on July 31 in Viciebsk there was a trial on Viachaslau's transfer to a prison security level. The decision was made by Judge Mikhail Zubenia.

Political prisoner Yury Ziankovich is being tried in a new criminal case

Yury is a lawyer who was convicted in the "conspirators' case". He was charged under a number of criminal articles and sentenced to 11 years in a medium-security penal colony.

On December 27, 2022, the court considered a new case against Yury on "insulting a government official" (Article 369 of the Criminal Code). According to preliminary information, Ziankovich was given additional six months.

At first, Yury served his sentence in Babruisk colony No. 2, where he was put under pressure. The political prisoner spent eight days in the punishment cell and went on hunger strike. Later, his punishment was increased and he was transferred to Mahilioŭ prison.

On August 7, the political prisoner was tried in Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ for "malicious disobedience to the prison administration" under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code. The case is being considered by Judge Viktoryia Paliakova.

Anarchist political prisoner Mikalai Dziadok has been held in a punishment cell for almost two months

In June Mikalai and many other political prisoners of Hrodna Prison No. 1 were sent to a punishment cell (SHIZO). Mikalai is still there. Besides, the political prisoner has been kept in solitary confinement for more than a year.

Mikalai was detained on November 11, 2020, and he was severely beaten and tortured. He was sentenced to five years in prison. All the time in detention he is under pressure.

Ihar Alinevich was transferred from the hospital in Kaliadzičy back to Žodzina prison

This is reported by the Telegram channel "Right to Revolt". At the end of June, Ihar was placed in the hospital in Kaliadzičy. The reason was unknown.

Ihar is an activist of the anarchist movement who was detained while crossing the border of Belarus on the night of October 28-29, 2020. He was charged under a number of criminal articles. As a result, Ihar was sentenced to 20 years in a high security prison.

Later he was transferred to Žodzina prison.

Activist Yauhen Afnahel was transferred to Mahilioŭ prison

The activist of "European Belarus", who was sentenced to seven years in prison, has been kept behind bars for three years and 10 months. In May, after two years in prison, the political prisoner was again transferred to Navapolack penal colony, where he had previously served his sentence.

Immediately upon his arrival at the institution the administration placed him in the SHIZO for 45 days, and then transferred him to a punishment cell (PKT). On July 29 , another trial was held in Navapolack to change Yauhen's prison security level. Judge Vital Lapko decided to transfer the political prisoner to prison until the end of his term. Yauhen was already transferred to Mahilioŭ.

Political prisoner Yauhen Kladou was not released after serving his first term and he will be tried again

The Baranavičy resident was arrested for 13 days in August 2023 and his phone was seized. But after that Yauhen was not released - in November 2023, a criminal trial was held. He was sentenced a year in jail for liking caricatures of Lukashenka on the internet.

Now it became known that a criminal case was opened against Kladou under new articles: "mass riots" (Article 293 of the Criminal Code), "incitement to hatred" (Article 130 of the Criminal Code) and "calls for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus" (Article 361 of the Criminal Code). The resident of Baranavičy could face up to 12 years in penal colony, Yauhen was recently added to the list of "terrorists".

Political prisoner Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis

The political prisoner was supposed to be released on May 21 this year. But two days before her release she was transferred to Homieĺ Pre-trial detention center No. 3 as part of another criminal case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the demands of the administration of the penitentiary). Recently, Palina's relatives received an official response from the administration of the women's colony No. 24, stating that the woman was diagnosed with "chronic pancreatitis of medium severity". The husband of the political prisoner Andrei Sharenda told "Radio Svaboda" about it.

"We didn't know that she had pancreatitis, but there were reports that Palina had stomach aches and sudden weight loss. Once she lost so much weight that she weighed only 50 kilograms. However, all requests to the penal colony were officially answered that Palina was healthy and was allegedly receiving the necessary assistance.

Political prisoner Uladzimir Hundar was deprived of another short-term visit

Radio Racyja reported about it:

"He's already had some kind of offense that got him deprived of a short-term visit, which isn't due until September, but he's already been deprived. He himself doesn't know what for. They didn't even explain anything, they just said that he was deprived and that's all. And he doesn't even know for how long.

The defendant in the "Autukhovich case" was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for several criminal cases. Upon arrival at the colony, he was placed in a punitive isolation cell several times. In early October 2023, it became known that Hundar's punishment was increased and he was transferred to a prison security level.

In Baranavičy, a former political prisoner, who had been released under amnesty, is on trial for "participation in protests"

On August 12, the trial of three local residents under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code started in Baranavičy District Court. Aliaksandr Tarasovich, Dzmitry Blashenitsa and Piotr Zinevich are accused of participation in the protests that took place four years ago. Their case is being considered by Aksana Litvinchyk.

Piotr Zinevich is a former political prisoner who was sentenced to two years of "khimiya" in 2021 for publishing a photo of a police officer with the inscription, which was considered as "slander".

On January 11, 2023, Piotr was released under the Amnesty Law. At the end of April 2024 Piotr was detained again together with several residents of Baranavičy. Now the man is kept in the pre-trial detention center.

Another former political prisoner from Baranavičy will be tried again

Vital Korshun is 37 years old. He was born in Baranavičy. He was tried for the first time in September 2021. A year before that, he left a comment about looking for the address of a riot police officer. According to the version of the riot policeman himself, Siarhei Balabanovich, after this post he was very scared, although Korshun quickly deleted it. As a result, the entrepreneur was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.

The next time Vital was detained in January 2024.

Korshun's trial will start on August 13 in Brest Regional Court. He is accused under five political articles: "slander against Lukashenka" (Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code), "participation in actions that grossly violate public order" (Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code), "organization of mass riots" (Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code), "calls for sanctions" (Part 3 of Article 361) and "incitement to hatred" (Part 1 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code). The political prisoner faces up to 12 years in penal colony. He will be tried by Sviatlana Kremenieuskaya.

Political prisoners are massively forced to write petitions for pardon

According to Viasna human rights activists, representatives of the Minsk Prosecutor's Office come to Navapolack penal colony No. 1 every day, forcing political prisoners to write petitions for pardon. But this applies only to those sentenced to short terms.

It is also known that in some penal colonies political prisoners are placed in punishment cells for refusing to write a petition, and some are threatened with a new criminal case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration of the penitentiary institution).

In addition, human rights activists receive evidence that Yury Vaskrasenski has become active in recent weeks - he calls relatives of political prisoners and tells them about the conditions and circumstances of pardon, agitating for their relatives behind bars to write a petition to Lukashenka.

According to Viasna, on July 3, 18 political prisoners were released on amnesty or pardon. Among them there were four women and 14 men, including Ryhor Kastusiou, a cancer patient.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

“Voice Across Borders: Belarus Global Awareness” is an ambitious initiative designed to confront and illuminate the severe political and human rights crisis engulfing Belarus. 

Following the 2020 election, Belarus has found itself at a critical crossroads, with increasing political oppression, threats to its cultural identity, and erosion of sovereignty due to external pressures. This project aims to counter these challenges by elevating global awareness and fostering a unified international response.

What are we doing?

We are launching a solidarity relay that will involve different countries and diasporas and will end in December 2024. The relay will include exhibitions, concerts, discussions and webinars, talking about Belarus, our culture and the challenges we face. We are also raising funds to help Belarusians affected by the regime, including vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled, and children of political prisoners.

Why is this important?

On average, relatives spend €2000 per year per political prisoner. Rehabilitation of a released person could cost anything from €6000 in Europe and from €2000 in Belarus. Today there are about 1500 recognised political prisoners in Belarusian prisons, and the same number of people have recently been released. And there are also thousands of people who have suffered for their position and need help. 

Our goal is to raise €500,000 which would go to help those who found themselves in need due to a barbaric treatment of the dictatorship regime.

How can you help?

Your donation can change someone's life. 

For example:
€10 can purchase essential medications for one person of a political prisoner with nece
€15 can provide a child of a political prisoner with necessary stationery
€20 can provide a family of a political prisoner with grocery supplies for a few days.
€50 can provide warm clothes for a political refugee in need

This is an ambitious project and we hope to make it a success to establish it as a regular annual initiative in solidarity with Belarus

Our project is led by a dedicated team of representatives of Belarusian initiatives and solidarity funds, including the People's Embassies of Belarus and the following foundations -  the Country to Live in, BYSOL, ByHelp and Dissidentby. Our experience and commitment ensures that every donation is used effectively to support our mission.

Please join us on our journey, learn more about project’s events, and rejoice in our successes:

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Thank you for your support and solidarity! 

Sincerely,
The “Voices Across Borders” Team.

Source: BYSOL

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had declared August 9, 2024, as the Day of Solidarity with Belarus, marking the fourth anniversary of the presidential election rigged by the dictator and the beginning of the Belarusian people’s struggle for a free country.

Yesterday, representatives from Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, Germany, Canada, Ireland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Austria, Iceland, Italy, France, Georgia, Australia, as well as the President of the European Parliament and MPs from various countries, and officials of the European Commission made statements in support of democratic Belarus.

Here are some of the statements by international leaders, politicians, and diplomats released on the Day of Solidarity with Belarus:

President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda:

“Four years since the start of Lukashenka’s repression campaign against Belarusian people who stood up for freedom and democracy. Lithuania is home to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and many Belarusians who fled the persecution. We believe in the democratic future of Belarus. Freedom spirit always prevails!”

Joint statement from the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU:
“Four years on from the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the appalling human rights crackdown in Belarus, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who, in spite of continued repression by the Lukashenko regime, have peacefully and courageously pressed for democratic change, respect for human rights, and the release of all political prisoners.  We affirm that the sanctions we have recently announced represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability for the Lukashenka regime”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström:
“It’s been four years since the Lukashenka regime illegally and brutally stole the election in Belarus. But Sweden will stand behind the Belarusian people and its indisputable right to once again have democracy and freedom. Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya is the leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition and we support her”.

Foreign Office of Germany:

“Today marks the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus when hundreds of thousands of brave people took to the streets in support of democracy. We have not forgotten them, just as we have not forgotten Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, whose tireless work continues to give many people in Belarus courage and hope, despite the massive repression. This deeply impresses us”, said [Minister] Baerbock. “We remember all those unlawfully imprisoned, often without the ability to contact their loved ones. The idea of freedom and democracy cannot be imprisoned. We will continue to strive for their release. #StandWithBelarus”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir:

“The regime in Belarus staged a fake election 4 years ago. Lukashenka has no legitimacy. Cheaters don’t get to call themselves winners. Every day brave people like my friend Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya show that there is hope for the people of Belarus”.

White House National Security Communications Advisor, John Kirby:
“Since taking office, President Biden has made it clear: The United States firmly supports the people of Belarus in their pursuit of a democratic future. The US will continue to defend human rights and freedom of expression in Belarus, as well as hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for its actions. […] As the President told the leader of the Belarusian opposition: We will continue to support the people of Belarus in their courageous quest for democracy”.

 US Senator, Jeanne Shaheen:

“Today marks four years since fraudulent elections in Belarus kept Putin’s puppet, Lukashenka, in power. The US continues to recognize Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya as the democratically elected leader of Belarus and will remain stalwart in our support for those fighting for freedom in Belarus”.

Caucus “For Democratic Belarus!” in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine:

“The Verkhovna Rada’s caucus “For Democratic Belarus!” consistently advocates for condemning the de-facto occupation of Belarus by Russia and calls on the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to recognize this at the state level. We also appeal to partner countries to support Belarusians who continue to fight against the regime both within Belarus and beyond its borders. Long Live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The New Belarus Conference 2024, organized by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, took place in Vilnius on August 3-4, gathering over 300 representatives of Belarusian civil society organizations and political bodies, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists. More than 100 organizations and initiatives were represented. The conference was watched online by over 70,000 users on various platforms.

During the conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council addressed numerous issues relevant to Belarusians, including the New Belarus Passport, political prisoner exchange, the strategy for the 2025 election in Belarus, and more.

Key events of the conference included the signing of the Protocol for Cooperation formalizing relations between different bodies of Belarus’ democratic forces and the presentation of Platform 2025 shaping the framework of activities for 2025.

The following declarations were released following the conference: “Unconstitutional Seizure of Power: Why A. Lukashenka Must Be Barred from the 2025 Election”, Declaration on Accountability and Restoring Justice, Declaration on the Foreign Policy Priorities of Democratic Belarus, Draft Declaration on Support for Independent Media, Draft Declaration on the Need for the Release and Support for Political Prisoners, and Draft Declaration on the Youth Policy of the Democratic Forces of Belarus. These documents reflect the key goals and objectives of the democratic forces of Belarus for the near future.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya awarded the Unbowed Medal (Larysa Henijush Medal) to 13 former political prisoners for significant contributions to the Belarusian people’s struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms.

The conference also featured side events that took place on August 2 and 5.

During the New Belarus Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced new appointments to the United Transitional Cabinet. She nominated Vadzim Kabanchuk for the Representative for Defense and National Security, Marharyta Vorykhava for the Representative for Youth and Student Affairs, and Ambassador Vladzimir Astapenka for the Representative for International and European Cooperation. The new representatives are to be approved by the Coordination Council.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

“We did not participate in these negotiations and have limited information. Unfortunately, we have no evidence that this exchange could lead to the release of political prisoners in Belarus. Evidently, these were negotiations with Moscow, and Belarus was not involved.

We welcome the release of political prisoners from Russian prisons. Such a prisoner exchange is itself an important precedent that could also help achieve the release of Belarusians. It is clear that an exchange for release assumes that there is someone or something to exchange for. This distinguishes the Belarusian situation from the Russian one.

We utilize every opportunity and tool to get our people out of prisons. We regularly raise this issue with Western partners. Consultations take place in various formats, though, of course, privately. We know that diverse efforts are being made to free Belarusians. Unfortunately, the problem lies not with Western partners but with the regime, which is not interested in releasing people and openly demonstrates this”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

How the Desire to Return Home Turns into a Prison Sentence

For the past three years, there have been reports of Belarusians who left the regime and then returned home, only to face repression. Many, while abroad, might have thought that this could never happen to them, that the authorities had forgotten, or that too much time had passed. But that is far from the truth.

On July 23, Nasha Niva published an article about Natalia Levaya, who returned to Belarus after a long time. According to the article, on July 17, she was sentenced to 6 years in a penal colony and fined 40,000 rubles.

Natalia, 38 years old, is a professional 2D artist who lived in Poland and was very eager to return to Belarus. Despite her colleagues advising her against returning, her desire to go back to her homeland was stronger. She even paid donations for 2020 in excess, for which she received a certificate from the KGB. With this certificate, she headed back to Belarus.

However, the Homeland Did Not Greet Her with Open Arms

Natalia was detained at the border. On July 17, the Brest City Court charged her with three offenses: "Funding of War," "Funding of Extremist Organizations," and "Funding of Extremist Activities." Six years in a penal colony is the price she paid for her desire to return to her homeland, believing that the KGB would not bother her due to the so-called compensation.

Why do we highlight this story? It is a clear example of the regime's lies, its repressive policies, and its hatred towards its own citizens.

Earlier this year, human rights activists reported over 200 Belarusians who were detained upon returning to their homeland. Many of them appealed to the "return commission," but this did not save them. Among them was Tatyana Kurilina, who was accused of administering protest chats and sentenced to four and a half years in a penal colony. Brest resident Igor Nemirovich also appealed to the commission and returned to Belarus, receiving a one-year prison sentence. There are hundreds of such examples.

Do Not Trust the Safety of Returning Home

For example, Lukashenko established his own commission for the return of citizens. But what do we see in practice? People who trusted these promises return home and find themselves behind bars. This commission has become yet another tool for luring opposition-minded citizens and then persecuting them.

Another of his initiatives is the scheme for donations. And once again, the result is the same: people pay huge sums, hoping for protection, but instead face arrests and prison sentences. These donations turned out to be another way to extract money from citizens under false pretenses.

Finally, the recently introduced visa-free regime for European citizens also turned out to be a trap. Behind the attractive promises of freedom of movement lies the reality: the regime detained a German citizen and sentenced him to death. This means that even for foreigners, Belarus remains an extremely unsafe place.

All this confirms that returning to a country ruled by Lukashenko's regime is highly risky and dangerous for Belarusians. No "commissions," "compensations," or "repentances" guarantee safety. This is something that everyone currently safe abroad and considering returning home needs to be reminded of.

Source: NAM

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, comments on the possible compulsory job assignments for Belarusian university and college graduates to Russia:

“The annual increase in quotas for Belarusian youth in Russian universities, reaching a record 1,300 spots for 2024, is not just about education. This is a strategic move to limit access to democratic values and academic freedoms. It’s also an attempt to more tightly bind Belarus to Russia through a new generation of young, intelligent, and talented people.

By attracting Belarusian students and integrating them into the Russian educational and employment systems, Russia aims to mitigate the effects of its demographic crisis. However, this limits the autonomy of Belarusian youth and turns them into ‘human capital’ for the Russian economy.

This policy is being implemented against the backdrop of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow’s attempt to increase control over Belarusian youth and limit their access to European educational and employment opportunities is part of a broader influence and control strategy.

Belarusian youth deserve the right to choose their educational and professional paths without coercion or influence. We are working to expand programs for Belarusian youth to study in European universities and participate in international exchanges”.

Ms. Vorykhava’s full statement in Belarusian is available in the video.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

How many foreigners are in the prison of Lukashenko's regime? Why has Lukashenko taken them hostage? What does he need them for? Why is he negotiating with them? And how is all this related to the sanctions? Today, we will discuss the foreign political prisoners in Lukashenko’s prisons.

Let's start with another question. Why are Belarusian neighboring countries from the EU imposing restrictions at the border? There are several answers to this question: the migration war initiated by Lukashenko with Russia's involvement, the Lukashenko regime's participation in aggression against Ukraine—essentially in the war on the borders of the European Union, the presence of thousands of political prisoners in Belarusian jails, including EU citizens. There can be many answers, but they all share a common characteristic—these are deliberate, targeted, and systemic actions by Lukashenko and his associates, for which only Lukashenko and his associates are responsible.

There is also another significant factor. Both the detention of EU citizens in Belarus, the storming of the borders of EU member states by migrants with the assistance of Lukashenko's security forces, and the recent killing of a Polish soldier at the Poland-Belarus border can be described by one common characteristic. All of these actions pose a threat to the national security of Belarus's neighboring countries. These are actions by the Lukashenko regime that represent a threat to our neighbors.

Foreign citizens, including citizens of EU countries, continue to be held hostage by the regime. Today, citizens of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, as well as Ukraine, the USA, and other countries remain in captivity. According to the human rights center “Vesna” about 25 foreign nationals are now held in places of deprivation of liberty on political grounds. They are persecuted for participating in protests, making comments, passing information to independent media, and even to their relatives abroad, and are also accused of “espionage” and “agent activity.”

Recently, the Belarusian information portal Zerkalo.io published a memo highlighting what foreigners should be prepared for if they wish to take advantage of visa-free entry and what risks and consequences such actions may have. The journalists of the publication note that in Belarus, a foreigner can be taken hostage to later negotiate for the regime’s foreign policy goals—an example being a German citizen; a foreigner will have to seriously reconsider their tastes and wardrobe since wearing clothing and accessories in “incorrect” colors can lead to imprisonment in Belarus; the use of unapproved historical symbols is prohibited; criticism of Lukashenko can easily lead to imprisonment, and even death in captivity.

Furthermore, speaking out against the war is prohibited, as an anti-war stance can also lead to imprisonment, and charity work can be considered support for extremism—resulting in the loss of both money and freedom.

And the obvious question arises: how many foreigners are willing to take such risks? How many are ready to accept Mr. Ryzhenkov’s invitation to become hostages in Belarus, to be traded like commodities?

Source: NAM

Leanid Marozau: “Today, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office was informed about the case initiated by the Lukashenka regime against a German citizen. Rico Krieger was charged under several terrorism-related articles, resulting in a death sentence after the trial.

We contacted representatives of the German Federal Foreign Office to share evidence showing that a foreign citizen in Belarus faces the death penalty.

Unfortunately, the Lukashenka regime continues to use execution as a form of punishment. In a civilized society, such treatment is unacceptable. However, as we see, the value of human life means nothing to this system. Political prisoners who are dying in prisons due to the regime’s policies are proof of that.

I sincerely hope that through joint efforts, democratic countries can save the life of a person accused of serious crimes on dubious grounds”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the European Political Community Summit in the United Kingdom, where she held negotiations with the leaders of several countries.

⚪️  With the new leadership of the United Kingdom – the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the Foreign Minister, David Lammy, – the Belarusian leader discussed the political situation in Belarus. She emphasized the need to secure the release of political prisoners and support their families, as well as assist civil society and the media. The parties also discussed potential ways to formalize the relations between the UK and democratic forces, joint international initiatives, possible bilateral consultations, and other forms of cooperation between the UK and Belarus’ democratic forces.

🔴  Additionally, the Belarusian leader met with dozens of world politicians, including the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

The politicians discussed:

📌 Crafting a unified European response to Russian aggression and including Belarus in the international agenda.

📌 Strengthening solidarity and solidifying the European future of a democratic Belarus.

📌 Supporting the fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus, cultural and linguistic revival, as well as humanitarian aid for political prisoners.

📌 Expanding cooperation to include new governments and further strengthening international ties.

⚪️  With the Prime Minister of Ireland, Simon Harris, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed holding a Belarusian-Irish conference focusing on preserving culture and national identity. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also informed Mr. Harris about the international humanitarian fund in support of political prisoners and urged Ireland to join it.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the European Political Community Summit in the United Kingdom, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I was pleased to see the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, as well as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, at the summit. I expressed words of support and gratitude for their firm stance and support for Belarusians. Armenia recently granted asylum to Belarusians who fled the regime’s repression. Armenia also refused to participate in events organized by the official Minsk. I expressed support for Armenia in its efforts towards European integration”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the European Political Community Summit in the United Kingdom, the Belarusian leader met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa. 

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the contentious nature of the recent decisions by the Baltic states to restrict the entry of Belarusian-registered vehicles. She emphasized that these measures primarily affect Belarusians, not the regime, and called for easing entry rules for individuals.

“We are aware that this restriction was implemented according to EU instructions, and we understand that the restrictions were introduced for security reasons and to close loopholes. However, this particular restriction does not solve any problems. This is a rash decision. Therefore, we ask Latvia and other EU countries to consider broad exemptions. At the same time, I welcome that passenger bus traffic has been maintained,” said Ms. Tsikhanouskaya after the meeting.

The leader has also previously raised the issue of restrictions in meetings with Donald Tusk, Radosław Sikorski, Gitanas Nausėda, and Josep Borrell.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Restrictions on the entry of Belarusian-registered vehicles are a hasty and harmful decision. It primarily hurts the people, not the Lukashenka regime. Therefore, we are trying to convince our partners to revert or amend this decision. We are in contact with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, emphasizing the need to make exceptions for Belarusians entering the EU in their own cars.

We have a reached mutual agreement that restrictions must not affect passenger transportation. Belarusians living in the European Union will also be able to re-register their cars with European license plates.

However, we are aware that this relief still does not solve the mobility problem for Belarusians. For them, the border with the European Union is a border with the free world. It should be open to Belarusians who do not support the regime and see the future of their country in Europe. We will keep defending Belarusians’ interests”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya