The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

09.12.2020 New report on post-election protests presented in Minsk. Full English text

A coalition of Belarusian human rights defenders presented today a report entitled “Belarus. August 2020: “Justice” for Protesters.” It highlights violations of the standards of a fair trial after tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators protested the rigged presidential election and thousands were detained en masse and were convicted in August 2020.

08.12.2020 “We Will Not Forget”: Prison sentences for writing on pavement

The Frunzienski District Court of Minsk sentenced today Maksim Pauliushchyk to two years in prison for spray-painting “We Will Not Forget” on the pavement near the Puškinskaja metro station as a sign of remembrance of protester Aliaksandr Taraikouski who died on the spot on August 10, reportedly from a rubber bullet fired by a law enforcement officer.

07.12.2020 Swiss national gets 2 ½ years in prison for tearing balaclava off riot policeman

Natallia Hersche, a Belarus-born 51-year-old Swiss national, has been sentenced today to two and a half years in prison for removing a balaclava from a riot police officer during a protest on September 19.

04.12.2020 15 new names on list of political prisoners

Joint statement by Belarusian human rights organizations

03.12.2020 Human Rights Situation in Belarus: November 2020

The authorities continued to actively prosecute citizens for political reasons. There are 146 political prisoners held in prisons, as their number continues to increase. A total of over 900 individuals have been targeted by criminal cases during the presidential campaign and in the post-election period.

03.12.2020 Political prisoner Andrei Novikau released, deported to Russia

Political prisoner Andrei Novikau has been released and deported to Russia, whose passport he holds, RFE/RL’s Belarus service said.

02.12.2020 Political prisoner Aleh Mazhou free on bail

Political prisoner Aleh Mazhou has been released on own recognizance after spending three months in pre-trial detention. Mazhou will remain under travel restrictions before trial.

01.12.2020 Release political prisoner Uladzislau Hulis

Joint statement by Belarusian human rights organizations

01.12.2020 Immediately release political prisoner Yan Salanovich!

Joint statement by the human rights organizations of Belarus

30.11.2020 Day 113 of protests: over 400 detained

At least 416 persons were detained yesterday as a result of several dozen simultaneous protests held in many localities across Belarus on the 16th consecutive Sunday since the rigged presidential election of August 9. Some 250 demonstrators were detained in Minsk, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

28.11.2020 Release political prisoner Maksim Pauliushchyk!

Joint statement by Belarusian human rights organizations

27.11.2020 Repression against "Viasna" human rights defenders: Increase in persecution before and after election

In 2020, some 20 members and volunteers of the Human Rights Center "Viasna" were persecuted and repressed. Although they carry out entirely peaceful human rights activities, Viasna staff are persecuted by the state in various ways: arrests on flimsy pretexts, administrative and criminal persecution, searches, trials, and other forms of pressure.