On Friday, Amnesty International issued a strong plea to Belarusian authorities, urging them to halt their oppressive measures as the presidential election approaches on January 26.
The organization claims that President Alexander Lukashenko’s government is systematically violating the Belarusian people’s freedom of expression.
The repressive tactics employed include arbitrary arrests, torture, and the criminalization of dissent.
Marie Struthers, director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International, highlighted the oppressive climate the government has cultivated—a climate that instills fear and quashes any form of opposition.
Misuse of Anti-Extremism Laws
Amnesty International also pointed out the troubling misuse of anti-extremism laws, which the government is leveraging to stifle dissent.
More than 6,500 online platforms, including several international news sites, have been categorized as “extremist,” further constraining freedom of speech in the country.
Struthers underscored the importance of international solidarity to protect the voting rights of Belarusians and to hold their government accountable for these ongoing repressions.
International Response and Human Rights Violations
Since he ascended to power in 1994, Lukashenko has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly as he gears up for yet another term in the upcoming elections.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has taken a significant step by filing a complaint with the International Criminal Court, declaring that Lukashenko’s actions constitute crimes against humanity.
Jeanne Cavelier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia division, expressed concerns that the electoral process will likely occur without any independent media oversight, enabling Lukashenko to win over four inconsequential opponents.
She noted the regime’s persistent targeting of independent journalists and dissenting voices in recent years.
To tackle this dire situation, RSF has lodged a formal complaint regarding crimes against humanity related to the treatment of journalists in Belarus.
Political Prisoners and Arbitrary Arrests
Investigations conducted by local human rights organizations indicate that by December 2024, Belarus had recognized 1,265 political prisoners.
Amnesty International has confirmed that more than 50,000 individuals have faced arbitrary arrest, particularly focusing on activists fighting for human rights.
Additionally, in December 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) echoed concerns regarding the imprisonment of journalists, fervently advocating for their release and the preservation of free expression within Belarus.
Source: Jurist