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November 20, 2025

Justice and Journalism in Belarus

From Viasna Human Rights Center

“Between life and getting shot”: the history of the death penalty in Belarus over the past five years

October 10 was the World Day against the Death Penalty. The campaign Human Rights Defenders against the Death Penalty in Belarus has prepared an analysis and a list of events related to the death penalty that took place from 2020 to 2025.

For additional reading: https://dp.spring96.org/en/news/118865

Trials and detentions in the Hajun case continue 

Viasna has information about at least 88 confirmed defendants in the Hajun case who have been placed in custody. The total number of detainees is much higher.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118875

European Parliament: “Targeting of Bialiatski epitomises the Lukashenka regime’s campaign of punitive repression”

A motion for a resolution on the situation in Belarus, five years after the fraudulent presidential elections, has appeared on the website of the European Parliament.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118907

Modern Belarusian fantasy books recognized as “extremist”

The Republican list of extremist materials has been supplemented with Valery Hapeyeu’s books Volners. Omen and Volners. An Endless Day. The decision was made on September 29 by the Kastryčnicki District Court of Minsk.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118918

Belarusian journalist facing up to 15 years in prison on treason charges

The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Belarusian authorities to drop all charges against journalist Pavel Dabravolski, who was detained January 22, and faces up to 15 years in prison on “treason” charges, according to a October 18.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118937

Andrzej Poczobut awarded the Sakharov Prize

Political prisoner Andrzej Poczobut has been awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The Belarusian journalist received this European Parliament Award together with an imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118943

“Repression has reached levels comparable to those of the Stalinist period”. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Belarus

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Belarus five years after the sham presidential election. Voting took place on October 22, 2025.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118942

Belarus is not a “paradise” for workers: Special Rapporteur

“Belarus is not the worker’s paradise authorities say it is, despite their proclaimed commitment to economic and social rights,” said Nils Muižnieks, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, at the UN General Assembly today.

For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118954

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.