From Viasna Human Rights Center
3,670 convicted: The relentless crackdown on Belarus’s 2020 protesters
Five years ago, Belarusians across the country spontaneously took to the streets to protest election fraud. Since then, the authorities have actively persecuted the population for participating in peaceful demonstrations, using both administrative and criminal charges. Since 2020, more than 3,670 people have been convicted under Article 342 (participating in actions that constitute a severe breach of public order) and Part 2 of Article 293 (participation in mass riots) of the Criminal Code.
In the first two years after the 2020 protests, many people were also forced to pay huge fines to compensate the Minsktrans municipal public transportation operator for “blocking traffic.” With the statute of limitations under Article 342 soon expiring, the number of people detained for participating in the protests has risen in recent months. Viasna explains how the authorities continue to put Belarusians on trial for taking part in peaceful protests, while our Legal Service clarifies what a “statute of limitations” is — and who can still be prosecuted after it expires.
For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118468
U.S. State Department: No significant human rights improvements in Belarus over the past year
Each year, the Department compiles these reports covering internationally recognized human rights and labor rights and submits them to the U.S. Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974. They address all UN member states and aid recipients.
For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118473 and https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/belarus
Cold and hunger are the main causes of diseases. What conditions were the released political prisoners held in?
On June 21, 14 political prisoners were released. The pardon took place after a visit to Minsk by Keith Kellogg, the special representative of the President of the United States. The released political prisoners were immediately taken to Lithuania.
For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118525
Man convicted for sociological research on COVID in Belarus
43-year-old Yauhen Krasnianski was sentenced for sociological research on COVID in Belarus. He was sentenced to seven and a half years of medium security imprisonment in a penal colony and a fine of 25,000 rubles (6,300 euros).
For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118500
British citizen sentenced to seven years in a penal colony in Belarus
Yuliya Fenner, a 52-year-old British citizen, was detained last spring while crossing the Belarusian border. The woman was accused of “facilitating extremist activities” and “participating in protests” and sentenced to a penal colony. Human rights activists recognized her as a political prisoner.
For additional reading: https://spring96.org/en/news/118604