Summary:

• The ongoing human rights crisis in Belarus provided the backdrop for the sham presidential election, in which A. Lukashenka was re-elected, solidifying his hold on state power;

• The “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” campaign thoroughly monitored all stages of the election campaign, concluding that the presidential election held on January 26 did not meet international standards for democratic and free elections. Numerous violations of the electoral legislation of the Republic of Belarus marked the election. The authorities exercised control over all stages of the election process, organizing it to maintain Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s hold on power while mimicking his widespread popular support;

• As of January 31, 2025, there were 1,244 political prisoners in Belarus, and during the month, the human rights community recognized 18 individuals as such. Since May 2020, decisions to recognize more than 3,715 people as political prisoners have been made in total;

• Viasna has registered over 6,560 individuals who have been convicted in politically motivated criminal cases;

• 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 activist Nasta Loika;

• The arbitrary detention of citizens for exercising their civil rights persists. In January 2025, Viasna recorded at least 506 cases of politically motivated repression (detentions, searches, etc.) stemming from criminal and administrative prosecution;

• Human rights defenders regularly identify, collect, and file facts of torture and prohibited treatment during politically motivated criminal investigations and the serving of criminal and administrative punishments for prisoners in politically motivated cases;

• The Belarusian authorities are preparing opportunities for new large-scale, including cross-border repression, encompassing the adoption of amendments to the Criminal Code. According to the recently enacted amendments, individuals residing in the Republic of Belarus, including those without citizenship who have perpetrated crimes outside the country, may face legal consequences. Articles 130 through 130-2, 289 through 290-5, 367 through 369-1, 370, 373, and 374 of the Criminal Code, which are frequently used for prosecution on political grounds, are being added to the list.

Politically motivated persecution and political prisoners

During January, a minimum of 506 cases of politically motivated repression (detentions, searches, etc.) stemming from criminal and administrative prosecution were recorded, including continued additional border checks and detentions upon crossing the border with Belarus.

Since 2020, at least 7,915 individuals have been subjected to criminal prosecution on political grounds, and at least 6,650 people have received politically motivated convictions.

The Free Belarus Center public initiative has launched a campaign of solidarity with political prisoners called “Theme #1.” This campaign offers accessible opportunities to support political prisoners and advocate for their release.

In January, human rights activists recognized 18 people as political prisoners. As of the end of the month, the total number of political prisoners was 1,244, including 158 women and 79 with serious health problems. At the same time, the number of former political prisoners exceeded 2,500 people. In January, the release of several dozen political prisoners was announced, including 31 who were pardoned.

Human rights defenders have documented 11 cases of political prisoners who have been held in incommunicado detention for periods ranging from several months to several years. This means that these prisoners have been isolated and prevented from communicating with their families or the outside world: Maksim Znak—from February 8, 2023, Mikalai Statkevich—from February 10, 2023, Maryia Kalesnikava—from February 15, 2023, Ihar Losik—from February 20, 2023, Siarhei Tsikhanouski—from March 9, 2023, Viktar Babaryka—from April 26, 2023, Uladzimir Kniha—from September 5, 2023, Mikalai Bankou—from December 2023, Andrei Navitski—from April 2024, Aliaksandr Aranovich—from June 6, 2024, and Aliaksandr Frantskevich—from October 2024. Additionally, the family of Dzianis Salmanovich has been unable to make contact with the political prisoner for two months, and they have no information about his condition or whereabouts.

In recent months, pro-government media outlets have published and circulated videos featuring several political prisoners, including those held in incommunicado detention. Therefore, in the presence of propagandists, Mariya Kalesnikava was previously granted a brief meeting with her father. In January, Viktar Babaryka and Ihar Losik were permitted to address their relatives by video recording and passing letters through propagandists. However, despite the demonstration, which showcased the control and censorship exercised by the authorities over the political prisoners, the isolation from the outside world and their relatives further persisted after over 600 days in incommunicado detention. 

Mikalai Statkevich, the leader of the unregistered Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada), who has been imprisoned for his political activities, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2025.

The conviction of political prisoner Mikalai Khila, a Protestant preacher in the Evangelical Christian-Baptist church “Blagovestie,” an employee of the EU Mission in Belarus, has come to light. In January, the trial of Nakanishi Masatoshi, a Japanese citizen and political prisoner, was held. Viasna has compiled a report on the persecution of 36 foreign political prisoners.

Individuals who have been convicted of political crimes and have already been sentenced to imprisonment are facing additional criminal charges and sentences. Thus, in January, Siarhei Franchuk was sentenced to six months of imprisonment under Article 369 of the Criminal Code. Mikhail Laban’s trial on charges under Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code has begun, Siarhei Bely’s trial under Article 369 of the Criminal Code has been set, and Artsiom Litsevich’s trial under Articles 361 and 369 of the Criminal Code has been set.

Anarchist activist Mikita Yemialyanau and Uladzimir Kniha, who is held in incommunicado detention, were charged for the second time with persistent disobedience to the demands of the prison administration (Article 411 of the Criminal Code).

Persecution of human rights defenders 

Human rights activist from Mazyr Uladzimir Tseliapun served 15 days of administrative detention ordered by the court on charges of “distribution of extremist materials” (Part 2 of Article 19.11 of the Administrative Violations Code).

Amnesty International reiterated its call on the Belarusian authorities to release Nasta Loika, an imprisoned Human Constanta NGO staff member, who is being tortured and ill-treated in detention. The organization had earlier declared her a prisoner of conscience.

Viasna human rights defenders continue to be held captive. Marfa Rabkova and volunteer Andrei Chapiuk have been detained for more than four years and four months, Valiantsin Stefanovic and Uladzimir Labkovich and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski have been imprisoned for more than three years and six months.

Lack of fair trial in politically motivated cases

Courts continue to play an active role in politically motivated prosecutions. In January alone, at least 175 politically motivated verdicts and a minimum of 295 politically motivated decisions in administrative cases were issued.

For instance, on January 30, the trial of Alena Sharafanovich, a renowned children’s oncologist, commenced in the Pieršamajski District Court of Minsk. She stands accused of participating in peaceful protests in 2020, an offense under Article 342 of the Belarusian Criminal Code. The case has been assigned to Judge Natallia Dziadkova, who is on the EU sanctions list and has an extensive background in politically motivated cases. This includes many remote administrative trials of detained peaceful protesters, about 60 criminal convictions, mostly against participants of peaceful assemblies, and the decision to keep Maryia Kalesnikava in custody.

UN Special Rapporteurs and representatives of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued a statement regarding human rights violations in absentia proceedings in cases investigated under special proceedings.

The practice of holding criminal trials in absentia and in camera is specifically noted. A closed-door hearing of the criminal case of TUT.BY ex-employees Volha Loika, Alena Taukachova, and Katsiaryna Tkachenka, who are currently in exile, has been scheduled for February 4. In these cases, the public closure of criminal proceedings in absentia creates further challenges for defendants in understanding the charges against them and safeguarding their rights.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Violation of the right to life

Viasna co-founded the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB).

In 2024, Viasna documented 119 cases of individuals impacted by authorities. Witnesses described a series of violations by law enforcement officials, including searches and detentions, physical and psychological violence, inhumane conditions of detention, harm to their health, and forced emigration.

Among the 119 individuals who shared their accounts of persecution with Viasna’s human rights defenders, 56 were female, and 63 were male, aged 20 to 70. The majority of the documented stories pertain to events from 2020 to 2021. The witnesses are primarily located in Poland, Lithuania, and other European countries.

During the documentation process, witnesses reported threats to themselves and their loved ones from law enforcement officials. Victims also faced physical violence during detention, interrogation, and imprisonment. In some cases, law enforcers used a stun gun. The respondents reported being compelled to record “penitence videos,” a practice that denigrates human dignity. In these videos, individuals were coerced into confessing to participating in protest or extremist activities by being threatened with physical harm and forced to implicate themselves. The recordings contain footage of detainees being physically assaulted. Until recently, such videos were regularly published in pro-government Telegram channels.

When describing the conditions of detention, victims provided extensive testimony regarding sleeping with lights on while in detention. The detainees were prevented from sleeping and denied medical care for various reasons, and they were not given bedding or taken to exercise yards.

A significant aspect of the testimonies provided by Belarusians who have experienced repression at the hands of authorities is the impact of these actions. During the documentation process, interviewees described experiencing a decline in both physical and mental health following prolonged detention or after being physically assaulted by law enforcement personnel. Witnesses said they lost much weight and had trouble sleeping.

The Viasna website also regularly publishes stories of people who have been subjected to torture and other forms of prohibited treatment:

For instance, former political prisoner Vadzim Yermashuk explained how the security services took advantage of his vulnerable position as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and organized inhumane, degrading conditions of his sentence in the correctional facility. Furthermore, he outlined how the facility administration utilizes, fosters, and orchestrates informal regulations among inmates to mistreat political prisoners and other convicts.

As of January 20, 2025, human rights activists have identified at least 282 high-risk political prisoners. The prisoners include at least 81 individuals with serious health issues, eight people with disabilities, 35 elderly people over the age of 60 (many with significant health problems), and 12 people with mental health problems. The group includes 30 parents with many children. It is known that at least 10 families have both parents in prison.

Individuals arbitrarily detained and subjected to administrative detention on political grounds continue to be held in inhumane conditions.

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

Freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of peaceful assembly are inconceivable in Belarus without repressive measures. The authorities are implementing a policy of state terror and repression aimed at silencing people who disagree with officials’ actions. A. Lukashenka stated during the January 26 press conference, “We have been implementing this policy for five years to prevent our citizens from speaking out against us. This is the outcome of our actions.”

In Mahilioŭ, law enforcement officials visited educational institutions, including colleges and lyceums, during the campaigning phase of the election cycle. During these visits, they cautioned students about potential criminal and administrative liabilities associated with participating in mass events related to the election and with committing crimes of an “extremist nature.” About 200 students gathered for a preventive information meeting at the Mahilioŭ Social and Humanitarian College under the Arkadz Kuliashou Mahilioŭ State University.

In January, at least 10 cases were prosecuted under Articles 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in actions grossly disrupting public order), 369 of the Criminal Code (insulting a public officer), 368 of the Criminal Code (insulting A. Lukashenka), and 130 of the Criminal Code (inciting enmity or discord).

The practice of persecuting families continues. On January 16, the Minsk Kastryčnicki District Court found Dzmitry Zharnasek and Elizaveta Zharnasek guilty of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in actions seriously disturbing public order). They were sentenced to two years and six months of home confinement.

The prosecution of dissident former law enforcement officers continues. On January 13, the Minsk Regional Court began considering the criminal case against former law enforcement officers Dzmitry Udovin, Andrei Daroshka, Viachaslau Ilyich, Ihar Kisliak, and Vital Paprotski for committing crimes under Articles 130 of the Criminal Code (inciting hatred or discord) and 361 of the Criminal Code (harming the national security of Belarus). On August 12, 2020, the defendants recorded an appeal to law enforcement authorities condemning the violence. 

Individuals who have resided abroad and are returning to Belarus encounter ongoing arrests. Pro-government Telegram channels reported the detention of a pregnant woman who had made disparaging remarks about Interior Minister I. Kubrakou in 2020.  

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

Counter-extremism and counter-terrorism legislation have been weaponized for politically motivated prosecution, with the sole intention of preventing the enjoyment of one’s civil and political rights.

Lists of persons involved in extremist and terrorist activities, information products, and extremist formations provide a basis for persecution, repression, and restriction of rights.

Authorities added three more to the list of extremist organizations in January. The new items include online media and Telegram resources.

In January, 90 individuals were added to the List of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Foreign Citizens, or Stateless Persons Involved in Extremist Activities. In total, 4,900 names are on the list, not all of which are political prisoners.

Furthermore, 135 additional decisions were made to classify information products as extremist materials, which were then added to the relevant list.

On January 10, the Brest Regional Court announced the verdict in the Aliaksandr Darahakupets case. Judge Andrei Siz sentenced the political prisoner to five years and six months in prison and a fine of about 600,000 euros. Aliaksandr was accused of financing “extremist formations,” including the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, through money and cryptocurrency in the amount of at least 11,000 Belarusian rubles, which constitutes a total of five crimes under the Criminal Code. During the investigation of the criminal case, the man “voluntarily transferred” $600,000 to the following entities: the State Institution “Červień Boarding Home for Disabled Children with Special Developmental Needs,” the State Institution “Ivianiec Boarding Home for Disabled Children with Special Developmental Needs,” and the State Institution “Republican Center for Organization of Medical Response.” It is important to note that intelligence services compel suspects to make such “donations” as an alternative to criminal prosecution. Ultimately, the beneficiary of these “donations” is the state budget.

Political prisoner Yulia Laptanovich has been imprisoned for more than three years and three months. In early January, Yulia’s mother, Tatsiana Vasilleva, was sentenced to restricted freedom. Yulia’s husband, Ihar Laptanovich, fully served his prison term in 2023. The woman has previously been involved in two criminal cases and is awaiting trial once more. This time, she faces charges under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promoting extremist activity). The case was adjudicated in the Brest Regional Court on January 27 by Judge Katsiaryna Hruda. According to the Viasna’s Brest chapter, the precise nature of the allegations against Yulia remains unclear.

Violation of the rights of journalists, media workers and bloggers 

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, at the end of January 2024, 42 media representatives are behind bars. 

The closed-door hearing of the criminal case against TUT.BY ex-employees Volha Loika, Alena Taukachova, and Katsiaryna Tkachenka, who are currently in exile, has been scheduled for February 4.

Barys Haretski, the Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, has been added to an “interstate” wanted list, encompassing the territories of Belarus and Russia. This development appears to be an initiative of the Belarusian authorities.