Belarus Human Rights

Human Rights Concerns

President Alyaksandr Lukashenka was elected to office in 1994 on a platform promising to end to corruption in the newly independent post-Soviet state of Belarus. However, by 1996 it became apparent that Lukashenka was more intent on re-imposing Soviet style authoritarianism than on promoting the respect and defense of human rights. Since this time, his government has cracked down on opposition leaders and movements, trade unions, non-Orthodox Christian churches, civil society organizations, like NGOs and human rights organizations, and organizations representing minority rights like, the Union of Poles.

Amnesty International's concerns in Belarus include but are not limited to:

• Right to freedom of expression
• Right to freedom of assembly
• Right to freedom from arbitrary detention
• Ill-treatment of prisoners by police
• "Disappearances"
• Abolition of the death penalty

One of the most prominent Prisoners of Conscience in Belarus is the opposition leader, Mikhail Marynich, who was a former member of government. His health continues to deteriorate in prison, and he has been denied visits from his family. Professor Yury Bandazhevsky, who was imprisoned for criticizing the government's response to the aftermath of the Chernobyl catastrophe, was featured as the Northeast Region's Special Focus Case prisoner in 2004-2005. He was released from prison in August 2005 but still remains on probation.

Upcoming important dates and events:

• 16th of Every Month: International Day of Solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, disappeared oppositionists and their families, journalists, and all who work for freedom and human rights in Belarus
• March 15: Constitution Day
• March 25: Day of Freedom, anniversary of the declaration of the Belarusian People?s Republic
• July 16, 2006: Presidential Elections

Summer Solidarity Action for Alyaksandr Kazulin
Alyaksandr Kazulin, former head of the Belarusian State University, is serving five and a half years in prison on politically motivated charges. This summer, you can stand in solidarity with him by sending him messages of support. Click here for more information.

Stop Executions in Belarus
Belarus is the last country in Europe and in the former Soviet Union that still carries out executions. Amnesty International estimates that as many as 400 people may have been executed since Belarus gained its independence in 1991. At least four people were executed and one more sentenced to death in 2008. Sign the appeal to ask President Lukashenka to declare an immediate moratorium on executions. » More actions

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