Belarusian authorities continue their “purge” of independent voices prosecuting and harassing human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, opposition politicians, protesters, and activists. Hundreds remain behind bars on politically motivated charges and face ill-treatment in detention. No rights organization is able to operate legally in Belarus.

Belarusian authorities have prosecuted critics of Russia’s war in Ukraine and brutally dispersed anti-war protests, while allowing Russian forces to use Belarus territory to support their invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022.

Belarus remains the only country in Europe and Central Asia to use the death penalty and expanded the crimes to which it can be imposed in 2022.

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Riot police stand guard during demonstrations against police violence in Minsk, Belarus, September 6, 2020. 

What Detained Protesters Endured at the Hand of Police.

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Free Viasna

International human rights groups demand release of Viasna members

Click here to read the joint statement