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In November, the Viasna Human Rights Center observed a continuing trend toward criminal prosecution of citizens for political reasons. Over the past month, at least 144 people have become victims of criminal repression, of whom 35 are women and 109 are men. Four more people were convicted in special proceedings.

78 people were convicted in Minsk in November

The prosecution in politically motivated criminal cases in different regions in November looked as follows:

• Minsk — 78 people;

• Brest region — 28 people;

• Homieĺ region — 9 people;

• Minsk region — 12 people;

• Hrodna region — 8 people;

• Viciebsk region — 3 people;

• Mahilioŭ region — 6 people;

Record number of families prosecutedr

During November, a record number of married couples or groups of relatives who came under politically motivated criminal prosecution were recorded. The Minsk City Court heard the case against Henadz and Iryna Saurytski, as well as their daughter Viyaleta Viarbitskaya, under Part 3 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates liability for inciting hatred. The Brest Regional Court heard the case against Uladzislau and Tatsiana Kasheyeu under the article for treason.

Ten more groups of relatives were persecuted in November under Article 342. The case against Ihar and Katsiaryna Hramovich, as well as Andrei, Hanna, and Tatsiana Vashchyshyn, was heard in the Frunzenski District Court of Minsk. The Kastryčnicki District Court of Minsk handled the cases against Mark Kunitski and Iryna Pratazanava-Kunitskaya, as well as Siarhei and Anzhela Sandaliuk.

The Tsentraĺny District Court of Minsk heard the case against Aleh and Dziyana Siniauski. The Zavadskoj District Court of Minsk handled the case against Hanna, Ina, and Raman Usmanau. The case against Aksana and Andrei Salavei was heard in the Peršamajski District Court of Minsk. The Dziarzhynsk District Court heard the cases against Darya and Mikhail Navosh, as well as Illia and Alesia Zhyburt. The cases against Aliaksandr and Anton Nevar were handled in the Pinsk District Court with an interval of one day.

An increase in repeated and subsequent convictions

In November, Viasna recorded five cases of repeated persecution of citizens previously prosecuted in politically motivated criminal cases. The case against Siarhei Arlou was heard in the Tsentraĺny District Court of Minsk under the article on resistance to an employee of the internal affairs bodies. In July 2022, the Čavusy District Court convicted the man under an article stipulating liability for insulting a representative of the authorities. The Frunzenski District Court of Minsk handled the case against Tsimur Khairulin under the article on insulting a representative of the authorities. In August 2022, the man was persecuted by the Minsk City Court under this article and the article stipulating responsibility for inciting hatred.

The Miadzeĺ District Court handled the case against environmental activist Stanislau Taspayeuunder articles on repeated violations of the procedure for organizing or holding mass events and discrediting the Republic of Belarus. Exactly three years ago, the man was persecuted by the same court under an article on defamation and sentenced to two years of restriction of freedom without being sent to an open-type correctional facility.

The Maladzečna District Court heard a case under the article stipulating responsibility for insulting Lukashenka against Anton Puhach, who six months ago was sentenced by the Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ to one and a half years of imprisonment under the same article and the article stipulating responsibility for insulting a representative of the authorities.

The Kobryn District Court handled the case under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus against Uladzislau Nastsiushkin. A year ago, in the same court, he was convicted under an article stipulating responsibility for the development, use, distribution, or sale of malicious computer programs or special software or hardware.

Further persecution of political prisoners

In November, the trend of arbitrary persecution of political prisoners who were repressed at the very beginning of the political crisis in mid-2020, whose term of imprisonment was coming to an end at the end of 2024, became visible. The Babrujsk District Court handled the cases against Pavel Spiryn and Dzmitry Kazlou under Article 411, which stipulates repeated and arbitrary extension of the imprisonment term for "malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration of a correctional institution."

In the same court and under the same article, the case against Siarhei Kanavalau was heard. In September 2022, the man was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 15 years under articles on an act of terrorism, intentionally damaging a vehicle or communication lines, and inciting hatred.

In November, Article 411 of the Criminal Code was applied to extend the sentence of Aliaksandr Aranovich, who was sentenced to six years of imprisonment for preparing for mass riots and organizing actions that grossly violate public order.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, hosted Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ahead of the high-level conference on Belarus in the European Parliament.

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Ms. Metsola for supporting the Belarus Days in Brussels and inviting over 150 Belarusian representatives, including human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and cultural figures.

“This is truly an unprecedented event. It demonstrates your solidarity and support”, the Belarusian leader noted.

During their meeting, Ms. Metsola and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed plans to deepen cooperation between the European Parliament and Belarus’ democratic forces following the Letter of Intent on Cooperation signed earlier this year.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged the European Parliament to refrain from recognizing Lukashenka’s sham election, maintain a principled and consistent policy, and demand the cessation of repression, the release of political prisoners, and an end to the regime’s involvement in the war. The parties also discussed possible plenary hearings on Belarus in the European Parliament.

“For years, President Roberta Metsola has taken a decisive and principled stance on Belarus. She has consistently supported our struggle and emphasized the distinction between the regime and the Belarusian people. I know she deeply cares about our country and especially about our political prisoners. Roberta Metsola has become a godparent to Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and actively raised the issue of her release, as well as the release of all political prisoners, on international platforms.

I am truly glad that the European Union’s support for Belarus remains unwavering and the issue of Belarus unites different groups and parties in the European Parliament”, noted Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the Belarus Days in Brussels, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for a European Parliament delegation.

She outlined the key challenges Belarus faces, calling for rejecting the legitimacy of the 2025 ‘election’, supporting independent Belarusian media, and increasing assistance to Belarusian society. In addition, she proposed effective ways to aid political prisoners and their families.

Talking about the 2025 sham election, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya urged the EU to:

• Deny any legitimacy to the campaign.

• Support efforts to monitor and document violations associated with the campaign.

• Amplify the democratic forces’ voices to counter the Lukashenka regime’s propaganda with a vision of a free Belarus.

The Belarusian leader also outlined specific steps the EU could take to support:

Independent media:

• Provide consistent financial and technical support to independent media.

• Organize training on digital security, investigative journalism, and audience engagement.

• Foster partnerships with European media to amplify Belarusian voices on international platforms.

Civil society:

• Support initiatives promoting democratic values in Belarus and resisting Russian aggression and the ideology of the ‘Russian world’.

• Simplify visa procedures and facilitate the issuance of residency permits for Belarusians in exile.

Political prisoners:

• Raise awareness about political prisoners through international campaigns.

• Provide legal assistance to prisoners and their families via international organizations.

• Establish an EU-led task force to document human rights violations.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

This significant event brought together international partners to support the Belarusian people in their struggle for democracy and human rights.

During the conference, two panel discussions were held:

1. Pathways to a democratic future for Belarus

2. Violations of rights and the fate of political prisoners

The event was jointly organised by the European External Affairs  Service and the European Parliament, in cooperation with the European Commission, as part of the Days of Belarus in Brussels.

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

“On December 10, Sviatlana Krutsikava took her own life. She had been persecuted for distributing ‘extremist’ materials, subjected to searches, and endured psychological abuse. It is impossible to comprehend the torment that drove someone to such a tragic and irreversible step – a step born of despair.

The regime destroys lives not only in prisons. It ruins people’s health – both physical and mental – through harassment, threats of persecution, and relentless manipulation. At some point, even the strongest hearts can break.

News like this brings immense pain and horror. Repression and war can shake even the brightest souls to their core and drive them to despair. We all face endless challenges in life. Please, check in on your loved ones. Ask how they are, stand by them during difficult times, and stay connected. If you feel overwhelmed and alone, seek support from those close to you and share your pain.

In this difficult moment, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Sviatlana’s family. The loss of a loved one is an unfathomable grief that defies comparison”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During her visit to Brussels, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya inaugurated the exhibition “Voices from Prison: Art as Resistance”. The project features drawings and letters revealing the stories of Belarusian political prisoners, their resilience, and the defiance they demonstrate even behind bars.

In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya praised the project as important and shared her reflections after viewing the exhibition:

“This exhibition pays tribute to our political prisoners. There are over 1,300 of them officially but the real number is much higher.

You can probably guess what strikes me the most here – the outline of my husband’s hand. Words can’t convey all the emotions I feel. Siarhei sent letters like this before he lost all contact with the outside world – more than 600 days ago. Since then, my children and I have not heard from him and don’t even know if he is alive.

Thankfully, some of the contributors to this exhibition have been freed. But many are still imprisoned. For them, writing poetry or drawing is perhaps their only way to preserve their humanity in inhumane conditions.

By displaying the works of political prisoners, we remind the world of their plight and the urgent need to secure their release”.

The exhibition was organized by the European External Action Service in cooperation with Belarusian partners, including the Representation for National Revival of the United Transitional Cabinet, BYSOL, A Country to Live in, Voices Across Borders, and Freedom Postcards.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Ahead of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting on December 6, 37 participating states issued a statement on the elections in Belarus. It noted that they remain deeply concerned about the constantly deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus, Pozirk reported.

The statement once again called for the release of all political prisoners:

“We reiterate that the Belarusian authorities must ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty are treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity. Belarusian authorities have the responsibility to implement their OSCE commitments, including those under the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on Prevention and Eradication of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.”

“While we recognize the pardons that have been granted since July 2024, we emphasize that the Belarusian authorities continue to arbitrarily detain many more citizens on political grounds than they have pardoned,” the authors noted.

The signatories recall that in 1990, in Copenhagen and Paris, OSCE participating states committed to democracy and political pluralism underlining that “the will of the people, freely and fairly expressed through periodic and genuine elections, is the basis of the authority and legitimacy of all government,” and reaffirmed these commitments in Istanbul in 1999.

“How can free and fair elections take place in such an environment in Belarus? Where there is no freedom of expression or media freedom? Where anyone who expresses a view counter to the authorities is branded 'extremist'? Where individuals who attempt to exercise their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association face a real threat of arrest and detention? In an environment with restrictions on political participation and de facto no form of political opposition allowed within the country?” the document says.

OSCE observers, as in previous election campaigns, have not been invited to the country.

"Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections"

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

The second round of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States government and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Vilnius. The meeting was chaired by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Christopher Smith, and the Head of Belarus’ United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Representatives of Belarusian democratic institutions, civil society, human rights organizations, and media outlets also attended the meeting.

The discussions and arrangements centered around:

• Political prisoners:

The US reaffirmed its stance that all political prisoners must be released unconditionally. Discussions covered expanding support for their families, rehabilitation programs, and psychological assistance for those released.

• Civil society and media:

Financial support for independent media and human rights defenders in exile will continue. Assistance will also be extended to Belarusian businesses operating abroad.

• Accountability for the regime’s crimes:

The US stated its support for international investigations, including collection of evidence and preparation of trials addressing crimes against humanity.

• National identity:

Belarusian cultural initiatives will receive aid through programs for language preservation, literary translation, cultural events, and educational projects.

• Exchanges:

Over 100 Belarusians participated in educational and professional exchanges with the US in the past year. The number of participants is set to increase in 2025, with a focus on young leaders, educators, and media representatives.

• Sanctions:

Existing sanctions will be strengthened, with new measures targeting individuals and companies supporting the regime and involved in the war against Ukraine, including suppliers for Russia’s defense industry.

• 2025 sham election:

The parties agreed that a free election is impossible given the current situation in Belarus and the campaign scheduled for January 2025 cannot be recognized as fair or legitimate.

The meeting emphasized the need to deepen the partnership between the United States and the democratic forces of Belarus. Dedicated working groups will be established to ensure that the agreed initiatives are implemented.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Summary:

• Widespread arbitrary repression against political opponents of the regime and dissidents in Belarus intensified in the run-up to the presidential election announced by the authorities. In the absence of significant protests, the authorities extend repression to areas of public life they consider suspect and groups perceived as disloyal. This creates an atmosphere of fear and stifles the rebuilding of opposition political institutions and an independent civil sector. The rise of state terror is a potential threat to anyone who is not a supporter of the regime.

• Viasna welcomes the ongoing process of releasing political prisoners, particularly those from vulnerable groups, before the completion of their sentences and supports all continuing efforts to sustain this process. The release of each individual is priceless and does not contradict the demand and strategic goal expressed by human rights activists – the release of all political prisoners.

• Despite the release of a significant number of political prisoners upon completion of their sentences and through pardon, the overall figure remains relatively consistent. As of the end of November 2024, there were 1,296 political prisoners in Belarus, including 172 women. Last month, the human rights community declared 62 people political prisoners. Since the summer of 2020, the human rights community has identified 3,638 individuals as political prisoners, 669 of whom are women.

• 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, Maria Rabkova, volunteer Andrei Chapiuk, and Human Constanta human rights activist Nasta Loika.

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

• In November, the results of criminal prosecutions in Belarus for October were summarized. Of the 172 individuals convicted, 52 were women, and 120 were men. Twelve others were sentenced in special proceedings.

• From September through mid-November, the courts heard at least 1,213 administrative cases related to political dissent, most of which concerned the distribution of “extremist materials.” Mass detentions have been carried out in numerous locations across Belarus, including in smaller towns. In November, human rights defenders documented 671 instances of repression, including 377 administrative trials. One-third of those persecuted are women. Most of the cases were registered in the Brest and Homieĺ regions.

• The List of Persons and Entities Involved in Extremist and Terrorist Activities and the List of Extremist Materials are updated regularly. This forms grounds for new attacks on civil society and its representatives and is also an additional, often extrajudicial, means of arbitrarily restricting citizens’ rights and freedoms.

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

• The expert mission of the campaign “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections,” organized by the Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Viasna Human Rights Center, has published its first report since the beginning of the election campaign. The report provides an overview of the situation before the elections. Another analytical report addresses the formation of territorial election commissions.

• The Viasna Human Rights Center cordially invites visitors to the opening of the exhibition “Feelings” in Warsaw on December 10. The event will feature a collection of images created by political prisoners of Belarus in prison conditions. Additionally, the musical album “Yellow-labelled” will be presented.

• In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 16 days of activism against gender-based violence commenced, concluding on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Politically motivated prosecution. Political prisoners

In early November, it was revealed that Dmitry Shletgauer, the seventh political prisoner to die in prison, passed away on October 11 at Mahilioŭ Correctional Facility No. 15. The death certificate of the political prisoner indicates that the cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia.” It is very common for suicides to be on record in this way. According to a Zerkalo source, the family does not believe in suicide, as Dmitry shared plans with them and was going to write a petition for clemency. In the summer of 2024, the man was sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of espionage (Article 358 of the Criminal Code) and promoting extremist activities (Part 1 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code).

As of November 30, there were 1,296 political prisoners in Belarus, including 172 women. 31 political prisoners are in a critical state of health, which is not compatible with their imprisonment. In November, 62 people were recognized by human rights activists as political prisoners.

At the end of November, the number of former political prisoners reached 2,392, including 499 women. It has been confirmed that at least 24 political prisoners completed their sentences in November, and at least 15 political prisoners have done so in October. 

In November, A. Lukashenka approved the pardoning of 63 individuals convicted on political grounds, as stipulated in two presidential decrees. Since June of this year, 178 individuals have been released as a result of pardons.

Concurrently, the overall rate of politically motivated prosecution is on the rise. It is estimated that at least 7,615 individuals have been subjected to politically motivated criminal prosecution since 2020, with at least 6,249 individuals receiving politically motivated convictions. 

In November, at least 671 politically motivated repressions (detentions, searches, etc.) stemming from criminal and administrative prosecution were recorded.

Political prisoners who remain in places of detention continue to experience pressure from prison administrations. This includes placement in punishment cells and the Secure Housing Unit, transfers to high-security prisons, new criminal charges, arbitrary isolation from contact with the outside world, and other forms of pressure.

The Viasna publication presents an overview of the ongoing persecution of political prisoners following their release.

The available information indicates that the following political prisoners are being held in an incommunicado regime: Mikalai Statkevich, Maksim Znak, Ihar Losik, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka, Aliaksandr Frantskevich, Andrei Novikau, and Uladzimir Kniha. This form of detention, which prohibits any communication with the outside world, represents a form of torture under the current conditions and contains signs of enforced disappearance. Maria Kalesnikava was allowed to see her father after spending more than 600 days incommunicado.

The political prisoners Aliaksandr Aranovich, Siarhei Kanavalau, Pavel Spiryn, Dzmitry Kazlou, and Ihar Karnei were charged under Article 411 of the Criminal Code based on multiple disciplinary sanctions imposed on prisoners. The trials were held in November, and the verdicts are still unknown to human rights defenders. Typically, the trials are conducted in camera on the premises of correctional facilities.

New politically motivated charges have been brought against Tsimur Khairulin, a former political prisoner who was released from prison at the conclusion of his sentence. He was previously charged with insulting a public officer (Article 369 of the Criminal Code). The court handed down a six-month prison sentence, after which the man was taken into custody in the courtroom.

It has been revealed that the court will deliberate on transferring political prisoner Siarhei Maushuk to a high-security prison.

Persecution of human rights defenders

Maria Rabkova and Andrei Chapiuk have been held captive for a period exceeding four years in connection with their human rights activities. Similarly, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, human rights defenders Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich have been behind bars for over three years. Nasta Loika, a human rights activist working with Human Constanta, has spent two years in prison.

According to data available to Viasna human rights activists, more than 50 activists associated with independent trade unions and organizers of labor strikes at various workplaces were detained between September 2020 and 2024. Many have been prosecuted for their activities in defense of workers’ rights.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has added Alena Masliukova, a Viasna human rights activist previously sentenced in absentia, to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Citizens, and Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities.

Furthermore, several human rights defenders were listed in the databases of wanted persons in Belarus and Russia.

November 15 marks the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. In 1981, PEN International designated this day to express support for incarcerated writers. Annually, national PEN centers and their international partners commemorate this day to highlight the unjust incarceration of writers in various countries. According to PEN Belarus’s calculations, at least 38 men and women of letters are in detention in Belarus. The total sentence handed down was 238 years of imprisonment or freedom restriction.

Torture, cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment

Since 2020, Viasna human rights defenders have registered more than 1,850 survivors of torture and other prohibited treatment. In the video produced by Viasna, Hanna, a student and activist, Artsiom Zadrutski, a former political prisoner in the “Zeltsar case,” and Yaraslau, convicted for the largest demonstration in Belarus’s history, discussed the use of torture and ill-treatment during detention and in Belarusian correctional facilities.

Human rights defenders receive detailed information from survivors of ill-treatment and arbitrary deprivation of liberty regarding the circumstances of the cases.

Former political prisoners have reported that the prison administration has arbitrarily restricted their ability to make up for the widespread lack of food by shopping in the commissary.

The report, entitled “How Survivors of Torture and/or Ill-treatment Perceive Justice,” was prepared by human rights activists from Viasna HRC and Legal Initiative. It focuses on how Belarusians who faced state violence during and after the 2020 mass protests perceive justice. The document is a unique three-part study of justice, including legal analysis, psychological aspects, and sociological data.

Twelve prominent human rights organizations have released an open letter expressing support for Lithuania’s referral to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The letter calls on ICC member states to join Lithuania’s appeal to investigate crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the top leadership of the Lukashenka regime.

Degeneration of the Bar. Harassment of lawyers

The Bar continues to serve the interests of the regime. In an interview with the state news agency BelTA, Aliaksei Shvakau, chairman of the Belarusian Republican Bar Association, highlighted the legal work of lawyers in various enterprises and educational institutions on one of the “most pressing issues for the public” — the upcoming presidential election. He noted that “lawyers not only explain the basic norms of legislation but also draw attention to the responsibility of everyone for their vote.”

During the election period in Minsk, representatives of the Minsk City Bar Association are available to provide free consultations in the public reception offices of the Minsk city and district organizations of the Belaya Rus Association. When visiting the offices, “citizens are encouraged to express their support for Aliaksandr Lukashenka as a candidate for President of the Republic of Belarus by signing for him.”

During workplace awareness-raising activities, lawyers provided “guidance on the administrative and criminal responsibilities associated with violations of public order and security.”

During the three months of autumn 2024, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice terminated the licenses of four lawyers: A. Marozau, Yu. Marozau, M. Seviaryn, and E. Rozavaya.

The current situation at this pivotal institution of the state’s legal system is adversely impacting the rights of individuals requiring specialized legal counsel and robust protection of their rights. The loss of independence for the Bar has a detrimental impact on lawyers’ ability to manage professional risks, erode trust, encourage self-censorship, and ultimately lead to a decline in the overall professional standard.

Harassment of journalists and media workers

As of November 30, 36 journalists and media professionals have been incarcerated.

As of the end of November, it was announced that the Škloŭ District Court would commence proceedings on December 11 regarding a new criminal case of the imprisoned journalist and blogger Ihar Karnei. Karnei was sentenced to three years of imprisonment in March of this year. Judge Aliaksandr Tarakanau will consider the case. The journalist has been charged under Part 1, Article 411 of the Criminal Code (persistent disobedience to the demands of the prison administration). It has been confirmed that the Škloŭ Correctional Facility No. 17 administration has placed the journalist in the Secure Housing Unit on multiple occasions. Thus, he will be subjected to a criminal trial for violations the administration has already admonished him. The political prisoner faces another year of imprisonment.

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

It is concerning that Belarus persists in failing to comply with international obligations to respect, protect, and ensure the realisation of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. Protesters and dissidents are subjected to prosecution both in person and in absentia, with serious violations of fair trial standards.

On November 6, the Leninski Borough Court of Brest handed down sentences to Artur Trushko, Vadzim Kutasevich, and Alina Novikava under part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in actions that grossly violate public order). Judge Dzmitry Shuryn considered the case. Brest Regional Court published the verdict in a press release, as noted by the Brest Viasna chapter. The judge sentenced Artur Trushko and Vadzim Kutasevich to one year and six months each. Alina Novikava will be subject to two years of home confinement.

The Luniniec District Court held hearings on October 28 and 31 to consider the criminal case of Artur Molchan and Artur Kanapatski under Article 370 of the Criminal Code (desecration of a state symbol). Judge Sviatlana Bratanava found the defendants guilty and sentenced each to six months of imprisonment. The trial was conducted in an extramural session, with students from Polytechnic and Agrarian Colleges in attendance. Molchan and Kanapatski were immediately taken into custody. As reported by the Brest Viasna chapter, the men were convicted for removing the national flag from a store building in the agricultural settlement of Dziatlavičy in 2021 and subsequently burning it. 

On October 8, 46-year-old Aliaksandr Akakiyeu’s trial was held in Rahačoŭ District Court. He was accused of insulting A. Lukashenka (part 2 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code). The Homieĺ Viasna chapter has announced that Judge Iryna Pradun has handed down a one-year and six-month prison sentence to Aliaksandr.

Viasna HRC also presented an overview of the number of individuals convicted since 2020 for insulting and libeling A. Lukashenka and a detailed account of the most unconventional reasons for prosecution under these articles.

Persecution masquerading as combating extremism and terrorism

The legislation on tackling extremism and terrorism in Belarus is used exclusively for politically motivated persecution of citizens for the exercise of their civil and political rights. Furthermore, it is an instrument of state terror, in particular for the creation of formal prerequisites to justify arrests and prolonged imprisonment.

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 November, four items were added to the List. Over three years, 246 relevant decisions were made by the KGB and the Interior Ministry (the first decision dating back to September 21, 2021). Among the recently identified “extremist formations,” the “Order Neighborhood Coalition” stands out. The large-scale detentions that occurred in Belarus in late September, affecting at least 200 individuals, were allegedly connected with this group.

In November, 120 individuals, including 37 women, were added to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Nationals or Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities. The list of new names includes human rights activist Alena Masliukova, who has been convicted in absentia, and public activists Veranika Tsapkala and Volha Karach, who are described as serving their sentences. However, all three live abroad. There are currently a total of 4,714 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 107 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 outlets identified as extremist. The dissemination of “extremist materials,” usually 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. Sharing a few banned links on social media becomes grounds for indefinite administrative detention – consecutively for each of the saved or “circulated” links.

According to First Deputy Information Minister Andrei Kuntsevich, the List contains 6,565 materials and has been maintained and updated since September 2008. The Viasna Legal Service provided an analysis of how information products can be deemed extremist following a court decision.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Opening remarks by the Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka at the side event "The Belarus Situation at the ICC: ICC Jurisdiction and the Need for State Party Support" held during the 23rd Session of the ICC Assembly of State Parties

December 2, 2024, The Hague

Dear Head of the International Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Justice of Lithuania Mr. Dzikovic, Representatives of ICC States Parties.

Dear organizers and speakers, dear guests, 

First and foremost, thank you for attracting attention to Belarus and the crimes committed by its authorities inside and outside of the country. I believe that this is the very first event ever dedicated to the Belarusian situation at the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court.

It has been 4 and a half years since Belarus became an arena of mass atrocities… 4 years of grave international crimes, such as mass torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, rapes and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, arbitrary imprisonment and murder…

All these atrocities occur in a climate of total impunity for the perpetrators.

The authorities in Minsk have created an awfully efficient machine for mass persecuting and repression of those perceived as "disloyal". This regime has developed and implemented a whole state policy of persecution, introducing  legislation aimed at discriminating against those perceived as disloyal in order to, as Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly stated himself, to “clean the Belarusian society”.

The created atmosphere of fear, terror and persecution forced about 300,000 people to flee their homeland. This means every thirtieth resident left Belarus. They were simply left with no other choice. We consider all of them as victims of the crime of deportation, a crime against humanity.

However, the Belarusian authorities did not stop at expelling part of the population beyond the borders of Belarus; they have continued to persecute Belarusians abroad.  

Those abroad and in exile were subjected to:

• intimidation and threats of violence; 

• pressure and criminal persecution of relatives and friends;

• judicial harassment, namely persecution by means of politically motivated criminal cases, trials in absentia with no due process, seizure and confiscation of property; 

• deprivation of other fundamental rights.

We believe that these actions cumulatively amount to the crime against humanity of persecution, committed extraterritorially by high officials of the regime against Belarusians in exile.

Therefore, on September 30, Lithuania was the first country that, following the ideals of international justice, has exercised its right under Article 14 of the Rome Statute and referred the situation of transborder crimes against humanity of senior officials of the Lukashenko authorities to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

One of the most important questions today is:

Will other countries join Lithuania's referral in the future?

Practice shows that other state parties joining the referral is important for the success of this process.

We therefore call on our partners - especially Poland and Latvia, who have provided a safe haven to the majority of Belarusian refugees - to join Lithuania’s courageous referral, strengthening these accountability efforts. And I truly believe that this excellent expert discussion today will provide the attendees with convincing arguments.  

I thank you!

Source: NAM

Belarus is a European country. Its people share the same values as those in Warsaw, Paris, and Berlin — freedom, dignity, and self-determination. The streets of Minsk, Hrodna, and Viciebsk echo the aspirations of countless Belarusians who risked their lives in 2020, protesting peacefully for a democratic future. They made their choice: they want Belarus to be a free and independent country.

Yet today, Belarus is at the crossroads. While supporting Ukraine, we must not forget about Belarus. Will it remain trapped under the thumb of a dictator serving Russia’s imperial ambitions? Or will it chart a new course toward Europe and democracy? This question is not just about the future of Belarus—it is also about the future of Europe itself. A democratic Belarus will be key to securing long-term peace and stability in Eastern Europe. 

EU support to the Belarusian people

Since 2020, the European Union has demonstrated its unwavering support to the Belarusian people. The EU has imposed several sanction packages on the Lukashenka regime, targeting those responsible for repression of opposition and civil society and human rights violations. These sanctions have hit key sectors of the Belarusian regime’s economy, which fuels both the repression at home and the criminal war against Ukraine.

The EU has also continued supporting the Belarusian people. It has provided over €140 million in assistance to Belarusian civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders. It has opened its doors to Belarusians fleeing persecution, offering visas and international protection to those in need. As of 2022, more than 400 000 Belarusian citizens reside in the EU. This support has been critical in keeping the democratic movement alive, even under brutal repression. In addition, the EU has pledged €3 billion for a peaceful democratic transition in the future.

What Needs to Be Done? 

The EU needs to maintain and strengthen this twofold policy: isolate the regime and support the Belarusian people.

• First, reinforce sanctions. Lukashenka’s regime is a direct accomplice in Russia’s war against Ukraine, allowing the Belarusian territory to be used for aggression. Sanctions are a tool to influence the regime’s behaviour. They should continue to target the architects of repression… The regime must be deprived of the resources it uses to maintain control and destabilize the region. We must also support accountability efforts to ensure that perpetrators do not go unpunished.

• Second, continue to support the Belarusian civil society and democratic forces. Human rights defenders, independent media, and democratic forces are the backbone of the country’s resistance. They need targeted assistance—financial, technical, political —to keep the flame of freedom alive. We must counter disinformation, support the families of the repressed, and strengthen initiatives that foster national identity. Russia’s attempts to erase Belarus’s identity, culture and language have to be countered. We also welcome the EU Parliament’s decision to sign a letter of cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces.

• Third, allow mobility for ordinary Belarusians. While closing doors to the regime, we must keep them open for the people of Belarus, especially those fleeing persecution. The mobility programs, in particular for young people, need to be expanded. Ordinary Belarusians should further be able to receive visas,  

• Fourth, free political prisoners. With more than 1,300 people behind bars—many held incommunicado for a long time—we must continue to unite our efforts for their release. Some are in critical condition and must be freed immediately. We must use all available tools, including sanctions and diplomatic efforts, not only to secure the release of all political prisoners but to end the repression altogether. 

A European Future for Belarus

Most importantly, we must show the Belarusian people a clear vision of a European future. Belarusians must know that one day, when they are ready, the door of the EU will be open to their country as well. 

The EU’s support for a democratic Belarus is more than just a moral commitment—it is a strategic necessity. A democratic Belarus would help secure peace and stability in the region, weaken Russia’s grip on Eastern Europe, and improve the security of  Europe as a whole.

The Time is Now

Belarus is not just a neighbouring country—it is part of our European story. The EU will remain steadfast in its support for the Belarusian people, and their aspirations for a democratic and independent Belarus as part of a peaceful and united Europe. 

By Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Leader of Democratic Belarus, and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On November 28, the District Court in Poznań ruled against the extradition of Belarusian activist Dmitry Pleskachev after determining that the request from the Lukashenka regime was politically motivated.

“Extradition would have been a blatant violation of international law. We are grateful to the Polish authorities for their consistent support in upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of Belarusians”, commented Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, following the court’s decision.

Notably, a representative of the Polish Public Prosecutor General’s Office also declared the extradition request from the Lukashenka regime unlawful.

The refusal to extradite Mr. Pleskachev was made possible by the coordinated efforts of the democratic forces of Belarus and the Polish lawyer representing Dmitry in court. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office (OST) had been informed about the case in advance by the Representative for Social Issues of the United Transitional Cabinet, Volha Zazulinskaya, and the human rights organization Dissidentby. The OST’s Legal Team provided Dmitry with the necessary support and assistance and attended the court hearing.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The first session of strategic consultations between the government of Canada and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Ottawa, resembling the Strategic Dialogue previously established with the United States. The decision to hold these consultations was made during Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meeting with the Foreign Minister of Canada, Mélanie Joly.

The consultations will aim to:

📌 Develop joint positions and priorities for cooperation in key areas;

📌 Increase the efficiency of support programs and align them with the needs of Belarus’ civil society.

The first session focused on the following areas:

1. Politics, security, and political prisoners.

2. Democratization and support for Belarusian media.

3. Efforts to hold the regime accountable for crimes against humanity.

4. Non-recognition of the 2025 sham election.

Representing the Belarusian side were Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Office, Vladzimir Astapenka of the United Transitional Cabinet, members of the National Anti-Crisis Management, BelPol, and Belarusian journalists from independent media outlets. The Canadian side was represented by government officials, including from the Foreign Ministry, as well as department directors specializing in sanctions and international justice.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “These consultations mark a new chapter in the relations between Belarus and Canada. Together, we will work toward the release of political prisoners, support for independent media, and a stronger Belarusian civil society. Next year, as Canada will assume the G7 Presidency, we hope that Belarus will remain a priority on the agenda”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Vasil Verameichyk, a citizen of Belarus who formerly fought in the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, has been extradited from Vietnam. Mr. Verameichyk participated in the 2020 protests in Belarus, after which he moved to Ukraine, where he served as the Deputy Commander of the Volat Battalion. In 2024, having completed his service, he was elected to the Coordination Council and co-founded the Association of Belarusian Veterans.

Vasil Verameichyk’s extradition is a direct consequence of the repressive policies pursued by the Lukashenka regime as it continues to target opponents and extend repression to the international level. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office insists on the urgent need to strengthen international human rights mechanisms to protect not only Belarusians fleeing persecution but also the people defending Europe’s future by fighting alongside Ukraine.

We call on the international community to:

• Revise approaches to processing applications for international protection, focusing on an individualized analysis of each case;

• Sever cooperation with the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Belarus;

• Suspend bilateral agreements on extradition and legal assistance with the Republic of Belarus.

Given the potential operations of the Lukashenka regime’s security services, we strongly urge all Belarusians living abroad to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. To minimize the risk of your extradition, consult the website pashpart.org and verify which countries may be unsafe for Belarusians facing persecution by the regime.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During her visit to Vienna, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended an event hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which brought together ambassadors and diplomats representing OSCE member states, as well as members of parliamentary groups “For a Democratic Belarus”.

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya addressed key issues concerning Belarus that the OSCE should keep on its agenda:

• Regional security

“There will be no lasting peace in the region without a democratic Belarus. If the Lukashenka regime’s rule had ended in 2020, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia might not have happened. Thus, the struggle for change in Belarus is not just a domestic issue”.

• Belarus on Europe’s map

“Our independence and existence are under threat. Negotiations to end the war in Ukraine might begin soon. I fear that Belarus could be handed over to Putin as a consolation prize”.

• No going back to ‘business as usual’ with the regime

“On January 26, Lukashenka will hold a so-called ‘election’, with no real candidates, no vote counting, and no observers. Former candidates remain imprisoned, alongside thousands of other Belarusians. Hundreds of thousands are in exile and deprived of their voting rights. After this farce, the Western policy toward Belarus must remain unchanged”.

• OSCE mediation for the transitional period

“We have developed a contingency plan, including what actions we will take and what the international community should do when a window of opportunity opens. The democratic forces will be ready to steer Belarus onto a European path of development. But this will require OSCE mediation and support”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During her visit to Estonia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga, and Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets.  

With the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed the following issues:  

• Legalization of stay issues faced by Belarusians in Estonia;  

• Draft guidelines for migration authorities in Estonia on handling Belarusian cases;  

• Visas and residence permits for students;  

• Alien's passports.  

Discussions with the Minister of Education, Kristina Kallas, focused on:  

• Additional scholarships for Belarusian students;  

• Possible Belarusian language and history classes in some Tallinn schools;  

• A potential hall named after Anton Luckievich, the first Prime Minister of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, who studied at the University of Tartu.  

With the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed:

• The so-called “presidential election” in Belarus. Estonia has preemptively declared it will not recognize the campaign;  

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

• Increased pressure on the regime, including comprehensive sanctions for human rights violations;  

• Support for the democratic forces of Belarus;  

• Contributions to the International Humanitarian Fund. The Estonian authorities have committed to allocating funds to support political prisoners in Belarus.  

With the Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga, discussions covered:  

• Translation of Belarusian literature into Estonian;  

• Joint cultural events;  

• Support programs for Belarusian actors and students;  

• An exhibition by Vladimir Tsesler in Estonia.  

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also presented the Cross of Good Neighborhood – the highest award of the democratic forces of Belarus – to Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna. 

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

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]