Belarus

A monthly chronology of repression and resistance in Belarus, based on the work of IFEX members and other international and domestic actors.

IPI calls for an end to the use of spyware against journalists in Europe, following revelations that seven more Russian and Belarusian journalists and activists in exile in Europe were targeted by Pegasus spyware.

Justice Ministry exercises full control over the legal profession; human rights lawyers face arrest, imprisonment, arbitrary revocation of licences and harassment.

Andrey Gniot has been in custody in Serbia since October, when he was arrested on dubious charges formulated by the Lukashenka regime. The High Court of Belgrade is deliberating upon whether to deport him to Belarus.

“Belarus has absolutely no freedom of speech and virtually no independent media. A small number of independent publications, struggling to survive, have fallen under a wave of purges and repressions over the past year” – BAJ

On 4 April, Belarusian authorities announced they would cancel the domain names of news websites they labelled as “extremist”. At least 20 websites have been affected so far.

While crossing the Lithuanian border in January, Nasriddinov was arrested by Belarusian authorities at the request of Tajik authorities. In February, Belarus agreed to send him to Tajikistan.

Authorities accused Shchyrakova of “discrediting Belarus” and facilitating “extremism” by sharing information with human rights group Viasna and broadcaster Belsat TV, both banned in Belarus.

As the country marks the third anniversary of manipulated elections that kept “Europe’s last dictator” in power – and the launch of a brutal crackdown – we spoke with BAJ about their ongoing global Solidarity Marathon on behalf of imprisoned journalists.

The new law enables the Ministry of Information to ban the activities of foreign media in Belarus “in the event of unfriendly actions by foreign states against Belarusian media”.

Opposition politician Kalesnikava is being held in solitary confinement and is not receiving adequate medical care despite serious health problems. She is being denied essential foods and medicines.

“Authorities should drop all charges against Merkis, release him immediately alongside all other imprisoned journalists, and stop retaliating against members of the press for their reporting” – CPJ

The group is committed to advocating for discussions on the situation in Belarus at the international level, providing support for independent media, and protecting journalists.

Ales Bialiatski has dared to hold President Lukašenka accountable for his brutal, relentless, and systematic crackdown on independent voices. For this, he is paying the heaviest price: ten years in prison on spurious grounds.