News for January 2024

Latest news about jailed Viasna human rights defenders

22.01.2024 Latest news about jailed Viasna human rights defenders

We collected news on Viasna team members who are behind bars.

Belarusian authorities start trial of Aliaksandr Ziankou, bring charges against Ales Sabaleuski, detain Yauhen Hlushkou

19.01.2024 Belarusian authorities start trial of Aliaksandr Ziankou, bring charges against Ales Sabaleuski, detain Yauhen Hlushkou

“The detentions of journalists Yauhen Hlushkou, Ales Sabaleuski, and Aliaksandr Ziankou are yet another example of the Belarusian authorities’ relentless harassment of members of the press.”

We demand the rehabilitation of 14 convicted participants of peaceful assemblies

19.01.2024 We demand the rehabilitation of 14 convicted participants of peaceful assemblies

Joint statement by the Belarusian human rights community

Statement on the recognition of Ales Sabaleuski as a political prisoner

19.01.2024 Statement on the recognition of Ales Sabaleuski as a political prisoner

Joint statement by the Belarusian human rights community

Three politicians from the UK and Germany become godparents for Larysa Shchyrakova, Yauhen Hlushkou and Tatsiana, and Aliaksandr Birulia

18.01.2024 Three politicians from the UK and Germany become godparents for Larysa Shchyrakova, Yauhen Hlushkou and Tatsiana, and Aliaksandr Birulia

As part of #WeStandBYyou solidarity campaign, three politicians from the UK and Germany have taken on godparenthood for political prisoners in Belarus.

"Seriously undermines the credibility of this kind of company." Pavel Sapelka spoke about international elections* monitoring

18.01.2024 "Seriously undermines the credibility of this kind of company." Pavel Sapelka spoke about international elections* monitoring

Pavel Sapelka, an expert of the Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections campaign, comments on the situation with international elections* monitoring in Belarus.

In the 2024 elections*, there will be "panic buttons" at the polling stations and video surveillance around them

17.01.2024 In the 2024 elections*, there will be "panic buttons" at the polling stations and video surveillance around them

Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakou spoke about the work of the police during the 2024 elections*.

Statement by the human rights community of Belarus on the death of political prisoner Vadzim Khrasko

17.01.2024 Statement by the human rights community of Belarus on the death of political prisoner Vadzim Khrasko

Vadzim Khrasko's death could have happened because proper medical care was provided untimely.

At least 1,603 people were convicted in Belarus in 2023: results of criminal prosecution

16.01.2024 At least 1,603 people were convicted in Belarus in 2023: results of criminal prosecution

During 2023, Viasna recorded political criminal cases against Belarusians. We publish statistics and report high-profile cases.

Human Rights Situation in Belarus in 2023

15.01.2024 Human Rights Situation in Belarus in 2023

While the level of criminal repression remained high, there was a pronounced increase in criminal cases on charges of “creating, leading and participating in extremist groups”, together with “facilitating and financing extremist activities”.

What happened to political prisoners between January 1 and January 15

15.01.2024 What happened to political prisoners between January 1 and January 15

Viasna provides a weekly overview of the latest news on political prisoners.

A Belarusian woman who returned from Sweden was sentenced in Minsk: five years in a penal colony

15.01.2024 A Belarusian woman who returned from Sweden was sentenced in Minsk: five years in a penal colony

On January 12, Krasnianskaya was sentenced to five years in prison

A political prisoner convicted for donations died of pneumonia in the colony

15.01.2024 A political prisoner convicted for donations died of pneumonia in the colony

This is the fourth death of a political prisoner behind bars. 

At least 2,000 arrested: results of administrative prosecution in 2023

12.01.2024 At least 2,000 arrested: results of administrative prosecution in 2023

Viasna reports the numbers concerning the administrative prosecution in 2023, as well as the absurd reasons for putting people behind bars and imposing heavy fines.

At least 207 detained upon return to Belarus: current statistics from Viasna for 2023

11.01.2024 At least 207 detained upon return to Belarus: current statistics from Viasna for 2023

Viasna has collected all known information about the persecution of people returning to Belarus from abroad.

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