In a sweeping crackdown under authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, hundreds of Belarusians have been arrested for showing solidarity with Ukraine, a key ally of Russia in the ongoing war. Human rights activists reported that at least 1,671 individuals were detained for their anti-war stance or expressing support for Ukraine, with 200 of them receiving prison sentences ranging from one to 25 years on charges of extremism and conspiracy against the state.
The Viasna human rights center's report also highlighted allegations of torture, inhumane conditions, fines, and forced psychiatric treatment against the detainees. Additionally, 12 Ukrainians in Belarus have been convicted on extremism charges and purported links to Ukrainian security agencies, with some receiving prison terms.
Belarus shares a border with Ukraine and has historical ties with the country. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for over 30 years, allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and to deploy tactical nuclear weapons.
The crackdown on dissent has intensified ahead of the upcoming presidential election in January, with the Interior Ministry conducting anti-riot drills as a warning against protests. Following the disputed 2020 election, Belarus witnessed a widespread crackdown, leading to the arrest of about 65,000 people and imprisonment or exile of major opposition figures.
Human rights activists estimate that Belarus currently holds around 1,300 political prisoners, many of whom lack adequate medical care and family contact. Recent weeks have seen an escalation in arrests targeting relatives and friends of political prisoners and participants in online chats.
Despite the crackdown, Lukashenko's office announced the release of 32 political prisoners, adding to the 146 pardoned since July. The government's actions have been described as sending contradictory signals, with repressions intensifying while a small number of individuals are granted pardons.
