‘Freedom is worth fighting for’: Belarus activists go on trial
3 years, 4 months ago

‘Freedom is worth fighting for’: Belarus activists go on trial

Al Jazeera  

Key opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova is accused of conspiring to seize power over her role in anti-government protests. Leading members of the Belarusian opposition went on trial on Wednesday, part of a multi-pronged crackdown on dissent in the ex-Soviet nation that was rocked by months of protests over a disputed presidential election. The trial of Kolesnikova and lawyer Maxim Znak, another leading member of the Coordination Council who faces the same charges, started behind closed doors at the Minsk Regional Court in the Belarusian capital. On Wednesday, the Belarusian state security agency that still goes under its Soviet-era name KGB arrested Uladzimir Matskevich, a professor of philosophy who founded a top independent university, after raiding his apartment in Minsk. Matskevich’s colleague, Tatsiana Vadalazhskaya, who was a member of the opposition Coordination Council, and Ulad Vialichka, the former head of EuroBelarus nongovernmental organisation, were also arrested following searches at their apartments.

Ukraine State Security Kolesnikova Belarusian Opposition Coordination Council  activists  worth  prison  security  kolesnikova  protests  fighting  belarus  crackdown  freedom  belarusian  opposition  state  member  trial

History of this topic

Belarus court jails journalist for four years for criticizing authoritarian president
Trending News
1 week, 6 days ago

Belarus court jails journalist for four years for criticizing authoritarian president

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — A Belarusian journalist has been sentenced to four years in prison for her critical reports chronicling a sweeping crackdown on dissent launched by the country’s authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. The Minsk City Court convicted Volha Radzivonava on Tuesday on charges of “insulting the president” and “discrediting Belarus” and sentenced her to four years in prison. “The authorities …

Belarus grants asylum to fugitive Polish judge wanted on spying allegations
1 month ago

Belarus grants asylum to fugitive Polish judge wanted on spying allegations

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Belarus has granted asylum to …

Belarus has arrested scores of relatives of dissidents ahead of presidential vote, activists say
1 month, 1 week ago

Belarus has arrested scores of relatives of dissidents ahead of presidential vote, activists say

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarusian authorities have detained over 100 relatives of political prisoners in a new wave of arrests ahead of January’s election in which authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko is seeking a seventh term, rights activists said Friday. The Viasna human rights center said that the raids began Thursday, targeting relatives and friends of political prisoners in various cities across …

Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after no contact with her family for 20 months
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after no contact with her family for 20 months

Hindustan Times  

TALLINN, Estonia — Imprisoned Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova has resurfaced after more than 20 months without any communication with relatives or friends and met with her father, a human rights group said Tuesday. Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after no contact with her family for 20 months Kolesnikova, one of the most popular and charismatic figures who helped lead protests …

Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after no contact with her family for 20 months
1 month, 1 week ago

Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after no contact with her family for 20 months

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Imprisoned Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova has resurfaced after more than 20 months without any communication with relatives or friends and met with her father, a human rights group said Tuesday. Kolesnikova gained prominence when mass protests erupted in Belarus after the widely disputed August 2020 election gave Lukashenko a sixth term in office. The U.N. Human …

Lithuania refers Belarus to the ICC, alleging crimes against humanity over opposition crackdown
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Lithuania refers Belarus to the ICC, alleging crimes against humanity over opposition crackdown

Hindustan Times  

BRUSSELS — Lithuania on Monday referred the hard-line president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, members of his government, security officials and military officers to the International Criminal Court, accusing them of committing crimes against humanity by forcing their own people to flee the country. Lithuania refers Belarus to the ICC, alleging crimes against humanity over opposition crackdown Opposition groups in Belarus …

Teachers in Belarus being targeted for links with 'extremist' group, says human rights body
3 months ago

Teachers in Belarus being targeted for links with 'extremist' group, says human rights body

Hindustan Times  

Dozens of teachers in Belarus have been detained or interrogated by authorities as part of the country's wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, a respected local human rights organization said Wednesday. Belarus suppressed opposition and independent media for three decades under President Alexander Lukashenko, but the efforts to crush dissent intensified sharply in 2020 when nationwide protests arose after a presidential election …

Teachers in Belarus are targeted for links with ‘extremist’ group, says rights group
3 months ago

Teachers in Belarus are targeted for links with ‘extremist’ group, says rights group

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Dozens of teachers in Belarus have been detained or interrogated by authorities as part of the country’s wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, a respected local human rights organization said Wednesday. Pavel Sapelka, a spokesman for the Viasna rights group told The Associated Press that moves against teachers began in September and that all those detained or questioned have …

Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — More than a half-million Belarusians have fled their country in the past four years as the authoritarian government launched a harsh crackdown on its political opponents. In a letter to the Belarusian opposition office, she said Serbian authorities were told Hniot’s case “was politically motivated” and he “would face reprisals” if returned to his homeland. “Belarusians need …

Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Dziana Maiseyenka, 28, was detained without warning while crossing …

Belarus targets opposition activists with raids and property seizures
7 months, 1 week ago

Belarus targets opposition activists with raids and property seizures

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Authorities in Belarus on Thursday announced raids and the seizure of property belonging to 104 opposition activists who have fled the country, the latest step in a crackdown on dissent that has continued unabated for nearly four years. Belarus’ Investigative Committee said Thursday the latest raids and seizures targeted activists who criticized Belarusian authorities abroad and rallied …

Exiled Belarus opposition leader says she hasn’t heard from her imprisoned husband for over 400 days
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Exiled Belarus opposition leader says she hasn’t heard from her imprisoned husband for over 400 days

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus’ exiled opposition leader said Thursday that she hasn’t heard from her imprisoned husband for 421 days. They include Maria Kolesnikova, a leading opposition figure serving an 11-year prison sentence who hasn’t been heard from for 443 days, Mikola Statkevich, an opposition activist whose relatives haven’t heard from him for 448 days and lawyer Maxim Znak who …

3 human rights activists arrested in Belarus as a crackdown on the opposition persists
8 months, 2 weeks ago

3 human rights activists arrested in Belarus as a crackdown on the opposition persists

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Three activists of Viasna, the main human rights group in harshly repressive Belarus, have been arrested and charged with participating in an extremist organization, state television reported Thursday. Viasna counts some 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus, including group founder Ales Bialiatski, a winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. The three activists whose arrests were reported Thursday …

Belarusian authorities confirm raids against opposition activists over new ‘people’s embassies’
9 months ago

Belarusian authorities confirm raids against opposition activists over new ‘people’s embassies’

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarusian authorities said Wednesday they have launched dozens of raids to target those suspected of “extremist” activities in new efforts by the political opposition to create “people’s embassies” abroad. The Belarusian opposition has announced the creation of “people’s embassies” to represent its interests and counter Belarusian state propaganda in 24 countries, including European Union member states, the …

Exiled Belarus opposition leader demands news of her imprisoned husband
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Exiled Belarus opposition leader demands news of her imprisoned husband

Associated Press  

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Friday marched to the country’s embassy in Lithuania, holding a photo of her imprisoned husband and demanding information about him after a year of being incommunicado. Tsikhanouski has been behind bars since being arrested in 2020 after announcing plans to challenge authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko in that year’s election. The …

Thousands of Belarusians convicted on politically driven charges in sweeping crackdown on dissent
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Thousands of Belarusians convicted on politically driven charges in sweeping crackdown on dissent

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Thousands of Belarusians have been convicted on politically driven charges over the last three years as part of the authorities’ relentless crackdown on dissent, the country’s leading human rights group said Monday. The Viasna human rights center said that at least 4,690 people have been convicted on politically motivated charges since the August 2020 presidential election that …

The family of imprisoned Belarusian opposition figure hasn’t heard from her for a year
10 months, 1 week ago

The family of imprisoned Belarusian opposition figure hasn’t heard from her for a year

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — It’s been a year since the family of imprisoned Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova received a letter from her, and no one has seen or heard from her since then, her relatives and Western officials said Wednesday. Kolesnikova, who is serving 11 years in prison for helping organize anti-government protests in Belarus in 2020, and other imprisoned …

Rights group says security services in Belarus raid apartments and detain election observers
1 year ago

Rights group says security services in Belarus raid apartments and detain election observers

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Security services in Belarus are breaking into apartments and detaining people in their workplaces across the country as they carry out hundreds of searches among election observers ahead of next year’s vote, the Belarusian human rights center Viasna said Tuesday. Representatives from the main intelligence service, the KGB, which has retained its Soviet name, are forcing activists …

Belarus raids apartments of opposition activists as part of sweeping probe called latest crackdown
1 year ago

Belarus raids apartments of opposition activists as part of sweeping probe called latest crackdown

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus’ criminal investigation agency said Tuesday that it has conducted raids as part of a sweeping probe into an alleged attempt by the opposition to seize power three years ago. “This is the authorities’ revenge against those who have demanded criminal prosecution of Lukashenko and his entourage over the crimes they have committed.” Belarus’ Investigative Committee said …

Activist hands ICC evidence he says implicates Belarus president in transfer of Ukrainian children
1 year, 1 month ago

Activist hands ICC evidence he says implicates Belarus president in transfer of Ukrainian children

Associated Press  

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — An exiled Belarus activist on Tuesday presented a second dossier of evidence to the International Criminal Court that he said proves the personal involvement of President Alexander Lukashenko in the illegal transfer of children to Belarus from Russian-occupied towns in Ukraine. “We share additional evidence proving Lukashenko’s direct participation in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children …

Belarus outlaws prominent rights group Viasna, declaring it extremist
1 year, 4 months ago

Belarus outlaws prominent rights group Viasna, declaring it extremist

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarusian authorities Wednesday declared the country’s oldest and most prominent human rights group an extremist organization. The move against Viasna, founded by imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, comes amid a yearslong crackdown on dissent in Belarus and exposes anyone involved in its activities to criminal prosecution. Viasna has branches in the majority of the country’s …

Belarus arrests a prominent journalist in its continued crackdown on dissent
1 year, 5 months ago

Belarus arrests a prominent journalist in its continued crackdown on dissent

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Authorities in Belarus have arrested a prominent journalist who has written for the U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the latest step in a yearslong crackdown on opposition figures, independent journalists and human rights activists. Belarus’ oldest and most prominent human rights group, Viasna, reported that Karnei has been placed in the Akrestina pretrial detention center, notorious for …

10-year sentence asked for journalist forced down in Belarus
1 year, 8 months ago

10-year sentence asked for journalist forced down in Belarus

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Prosecutors requested a 10-year prison sentence Friday for a dissident Belarusian journalist who was arrested after a warplane forced down a commercial airliner he was taking to Lithuania. Pratasevich ran a Telegram messaging app channel that was widely used by participants in mass protests against the disputed August 2020 election that gave authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko …

UN rights chief decries ‘systematic repression’ in Belarus
1 year, 9 months ago

UN rights chief decries ‘systematic repression’ in Belarus

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The U.N. human rights chief called on Belarus Friday to end its “systematic repression” of critics and immediately release people held on political grounds, saying some violations may amount to crimes against humanity. Authorities targeted opposition activists, journalists, medical workers, members of shooting sports clubs and people working with drones, according to Viasna, Belarus’ oldest and most prominent …

Belarus rights group says scores detained in new clampdown
1 year, 9 months ago

Belarus rights group says scores detained in new clampdown

Associated Press  

Rights advocates in Belarus sounded the alarm on Tuesday about a new heavy crackdown on dissent by the authoritarian government that saw over 100 people — including several psychologists and psychiatrists — detained in a week. Viasna’s Pavel Sapelka told The Associated Press that Belarus’ security forces are waging “sweeping raids and searches” on those suspected of involvement in a …

Belarus sentences dissident’s girlfriend to six years in prison
2 years, 7 months ago

Belarus sentences dissident’s girlfriend to six years in prison

Al Jazeera  

Sofia Sapega, whose flight was forced to land in Belarus last year, was convicted for inciting social hatred. A Belarusian court sentenced Sofia Sapega, the girlfriend of a dissident arrested after their commercial flight was forced to land in Belarus last year, to six years in prison on Friday for inciting social hatred, according to the Viasna Human Rights Center. …

Human rights activists handed prison terms in Belarus
3 years, 1 month ago

Human rights activists handed prison terms in Belarus

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — A court in Belarus on Wednesday handed prison sentences to two human rights activists, part of an ongoing crackdown on nongovernmental organizations and independent media in the ex-Soviet country. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other international rights groups urged Belarusian authorities to immediately annul Wednesday’s sentence and strongly denounced “politically motivated prosecutions of Viasna members and …

Belarus court gives opposition activists lengthy sentences
3 years, 3 months ago

Belarus court gives opposition activists lengthy sentences

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — A court in Belarus on Monday sentenced two leading opposition activists to lengthy prison terms, the latest move in the relentless crackdown that Belarusian authorities have unleashed on dissent in the wake of last year’s anti-government protests. “It’s not a verdict, but rather the revenge of the authorities.” Belarus was rocked by months of protests fueled by …

Belarusian opposition activists given lengthy prison terms as crackdown continues
3 years, 3 months ago

Belarusian opposition activists given lengthy prison terms as crackdown continues

LA Times  

A court in Belarus on Monday sentenced two leading opposition activists to lengthy prison terms, the latest move in the authorities’ relentless crackdown on dissent in the wake of last year’s anti-government protests. Kolesnikova, who helped coordinate months-long opposition protests that erupted after an August 2020 presidential vote, resisted authorities’ attempts to force her to leave the country. Kolesnikova then …

AP PHOTOS: Belarus political prisoners, from teen to retiree
3 years, 4 months ago

AP PHOTOS: Belarus political prisoners, from teen to retiree

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Human rights activists describe the political repression taking place in Belarus as its worst since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin’s purges during the 1930s. If he doesn’t receive them, his condition worsens, his brain cells die.” VOLHA ZALATAR The 38-year-old mother of five children between the ages of 4 and 17 has been in custody since March awaiting …

Is political repression worsening in Belarus?
3 years, 4 months ago

Is political repression worsening in Belarus?

Al Jazeera  

Belarusian Olympic athlete asks Poland for protection, while activist is found hanged in Ukraine. Krystsina Tsimanouskaya went to the Tokyo Olympics with dreams of representing Belarus at the world’s biggest sporting event. As Tsimanouskaya’s case unfolded, a Belarusian activist in Ukraine was found hanged in a park. Presenter: Hazem Sika Guests: Anatol Kotau – International relations manager, Belarusian Sports Solidarity …

Belarus opposition leader seeks new US, European sanctions
3 years, 4 months ago

Belarus opposition leader seeks new US, European sanctions

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The leader of Belarus’ embattled opposition hopes the United States and Europe will impose new sanctions on money-making government enterprises that will lead to the collapse of President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime and a peaceful transition that pro-democracy supporters are preparing for because “it can happen very fast.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger to Lukashenko in last …

Jailed Belarusian journalist and girlfriend moved from jail to house arrest but still considered 'hostages'
3 years, 5 months ago

Jailed Belarusian journalist and girlfriend moved from jail to house arrest but still considered 'hostages'

ABC  

A dissident Belarusian journalist and his Russian girlfriend have been transferred from jail to house arrest — a move the country's exiled opposition leader said was positive but still left them "hostages." Key points: Raman Pratasevich faces 15 years in prison He and his girlfriend have been moved to separate house arrest after cooperating with investigators The US, EU, Britain …

Jailed Belarus journalist, girlfriend moved to house arrest
3 years, 5 months ago

Jailed Belarus journalist, girlfriend moved to house arrest

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — The dissident Belarusian journalist and his Russian girlfriend who were arrested after being pulled off a flight that was diverted to Minsk have been transferred from jail to house arrest — a move the country’s exiled opposition leader said Friday was positive but still left them “hostages.” Raman Pratasevich, whose messaging app channel was widely used in …

Arrested Belarus dissident weeps in interview on state TV
3 years, 6 months ago

Arrested Belarus dissident weeps in interview on state TV

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — The dissident Belarusian journalist and opposition activist who was arrested after his airline flight was diverted to Minsk wept Thursday in an interview on state television, saying he was fully cooperating with investigators and declaring that he respects the authoritarian president he opposed for years. Asked by the interviewer if he respects Lukashenko, Pratasevich said “certainly.” Pratsevich, …

The brazen arrest of a Belarusian activist has terrified dissidents all over the world
3 years, 6 months ago

The brazen arrest of a Belarusian activist has terrified dissidents all over the world

CNN  

CNN — The chilling story of a Belarusian dissident being plucked from the sky while traveling on a passenger jet over the country’s airspace sent a message to other opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko: you’re not safe anywhere. “What’s more common is states using the institutions of other states in order to get to people,” says Nate Schenkkan, co-author of …

Belarus’ isolation grows after journalist’s dramatic arrest
3 years, 6 months ago

Belarus’ isolation grows after journalist’s dramatic arrest

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Belarus’ isolation deepened Tuesday as commercial jets avoided its airspace, the European Union worked up new sanctions, and officials expressed concern for the welfare of an opposition journalist who was arrested after being pulled off a plane that was diverted to Minsk in what the West called a state- The dramatic developments put a spotlight on Belarusian President …

3 Reasons Why The Arrest Of A Journalist By Belarus Is Troubling
3 years, 7 months ago

3 Reasons Why The Arrest Of A Journalist By Belarus Is Troubling

NPR  

3 Reasons Why The Arrest Of A Journalist By Belarus Is Troubling Enlarge this image toggle caption Sergei Grits/AP Sergei Grits/AP The brazen arrest of journalist Roman Protasevich by the Belarusian government, in which it forced the plane he was aboard to land in Minsk, has sent a chill down the spine of the international community. Enlarge this image toggle …

Why Belarus risked the wrath of the world to arrest an activist
3 years, 7 months ago

Why Belarus risked the wrath of the world to arrest an activist

Al Jazeera  

Is Lukashenko set on revenge or trying to send a message with Roman Protasevich’s detention? Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko scrambled a military jet to forcibly land a passenger airliner on Sunday night because of a “bomb report” that turned out to be fake. He may be right, because “extremism” is punishable by death in Belarus, Europe’s last nation where death …

Belarus plane diversion: What you should know, in 500 words
3 years, 7 months ago

Belarus plane diversion: What you should know, in 500 words

Al Jazeera  

Western powers are furious after Minsk diverted a plane and arrested a dissident journalist who was on board. Ryanair said Belarusian air traffic control notified its crew of a “potential security threat on board” and instructed them to divert the plane to the nearest airport, Minsk. Deputy air force commander Andrei Gurtsevich said the plane’s crew had made the decision …

Roman Protasevich: Who is the journalist arrested by Belarus?
3 years, 7 months ago

Roman Protasevich: Who is the journalist arrested by Belarus?

Al Jazeera  

The dissident 26-year-old, who had been living in exile, began his work in digital activism as a teenaged student. The news led to international condemnation with some European leaders calling the move a “hijacking” as the bloc was set on Monday to discuss toughening existing sanctions against Belarus, imposed over President Alexander Lukashenko’s crackdown on opposition protesters last year. In …

From Exile, Tikhanovskaya Calls For '2nd Wave Of Protests' Against Belarus Regime
3 years, 9 months ago

From Exile, Tikhanovskaya Calls For '2nd Wave Of Protests' Against Belarus Regime

NPR  

From Exile, Tikhanovskaya Calls For '2nd Wave Of Protests' Against Belarus Regime Enlarge this image toggle caption Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images MOSCOW — Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the exiled leader of Belarus' pro-democracy movement, is calling on Belarusians to take to the streets this week and revive the mass protests that swept the Eastern European country …

Belarus asks Lithuania to extradite opposition leader
3 years, 9 months ago

Belarus asks Lithuania to extradite opposition leader

Al Jazeera  

Belarus says it has requested the extradition of exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was forced from the country last year amid a crackdown on critics of leader Alexander Lukashenko. Tikhanovskaya, who challenged Lukashenko in a presidential vote last August that the opposition denounced as rigged, sought refuge in neighbouring Lithuania as Lukashenko moved to stifle dissent in the wake …

Belarus opposition calls for EU support after collecting prize
4 years ago

Belarus opposition calls for EU support after collecting prize

Al Jazeera  

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called on the European Union to step up its support for embattled pro-democracy protesters in her country, as she picked up the bloc top human rights prize on behalf of a group of opposition figures. We ask Europe and the whole world to stand with Belarus,” Tikhanovskaya told legislators in Brussels on Wednesday as …

Belarus opposition to compile ‘book of crimes’
4 years ago

Belarus opposition to compile ‘book of crimes’

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Belarus’ opposition will compile a register of law enforcement officers accused of abuses against peaceful demonstrators protesting the reelection of the country’s authoritarian leader, an opposition leader said Tuesday. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger in Belarus’ August presidential vote, said in a video call from Vilnius, Lithuania, that the “book of crimes” will include accounts of …

Belarus opposition to compile 'book of crimes'
4 years ago

Belarus opposition to compile 'book of crimes'

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Belarus opposition will compile a register of law enforcement officers …

Club-wielding police in Belarus arrest over 500 protesters
4 years, 1 month ago

Club-wielding police in Belarus arrest over 500 protesters

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Club-swinging police went after demonstrators in Belarus’ capital who were demanding the resignation of the country’s authoritarian president on Sunday, the 90th consecutive day of protests. The human rights organization Viasna said 548 people were arrested in all, including well-known model Olga Khizhinkova, a former Miss Belarus. The wave of protests, unprecedented in their size and duration, …

UN investigator says Belarus must stop repressing its people
4 years, 1 month ago

UN investigator says Belarus must stop repressing its people

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. human rights investigator for Belarus demanded Monday that the government “stop repressing its own people,” saying at least 20,000 were detained in August and September and hundreds reported beaten, intimidated, tortured or ill-treated in custody. Marin urged Belarus’ authorities to release all those still detained “for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and expression, and …

The opposition in Belarus has faced a campaign of violence and threats from President Alexander Lukashenko. How did it get here?
4 years, 3 months ago

The opposition in Belarus has faced a campaign of violence and threats from President Alexander Lukashenko. How did it get here?

ABC  

Unprecedented protests on the street, a rigged election and an authoritarian leader who refuses to budge. After the initial public violence inflicted against protesters, which stoked international outrage and only swelled the ranks of the opposition, authorities in Belarus have switched to threats and selective arrests of activists and demonstrators. France issued strong condemnation "of arbitrary arrests and the practice …

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