Rosalind Evans
In what has been described as an unprecedented assault on freedom and dissent, Belarus has witnessed a massive crackdown against its citizens over the past three years. The leading human rights group in the country, the Viasna Human Rights Center, has revealed alarming figures that underscore the scale of political repression under President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime.
Since the controversial presidential election in August 2020, which ignited widespread protests across the nation, at least 4,690 Belarusians have been convicted on politically motivated charges, with the number potentially being even higher, according to Viasna’s representative Pavel Sapelka.
“The largest repressive machine of the 21st century created in the center of Europe has been gaining steam, aimed at suppression of all freedoms,” Sapelka lamented, indicating that the repression in Belarus could be more severe than that in neighboring Russia.
The crackdown has not only seen thousands arrested and many subjected to brutal treatment in custody but also led to the silencing of dissenting voices through tightly controlled elections. The February 25 balloting, which saw Lukashenko solidify his three-decade rule, was marked by the absence of opposition candidates, showcasing the authoritarian grip on power. “Even a suspicion of disloyalty is enough to trigger political repressions,” added Sapelka, highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suppression in the country.
The repercussions of the government’s actions have been dire, with more than 1,400 political prisoners languishing behind bars, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and other key opposition figures.
The plight of imprisoned opposition leaders like Maria Kolesnikova and Viktar Babaryka, who have been cut off from the outside world, raises serious concerns about their well-being. Moreover, the crackdown has extended to those opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine, with at least 1,671 Belarusians detained for their anti-war stance, some facing lengthy prison sentences.
The situation in Belarus serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare oppose autocratic regimes. The international community must keep a watchful eye and extend support to the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy. As the crackdown continues, the opposition’s resilience and hope for a more open and just society in Belarus remain undeterred.
