Belarus
As of early 2026, Belarus remains in a profound human rights crisis, characterized by what UN experts describe as a "systemic and deliberate" campaign to eliminate any form of dissent. While the government made headlines in late 2025 by releasing a small number of high-profile detainees, the overall trajectory remains one of extreme repression.
The following are the current primary human rights issues in Belarus:
1. Political Prisoners and "Rotational" Repression
As of February 2026, the human rights organization Viasna reports that over 1,100 political prisoners remain in detention.
The Revolving Door: Although the government released approximately 120 prisoners in late 2025 (including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski), activists note that the "revolving door" continues. In 2025 alone, roughly 500 new individuals were sentenced on political charges, meaning the total number remains critically high.
Conditions of Detention: Political detainees are frequently held in incommunicado conditions (no contact with lawyers or family). Reports of torture, psychological pressure, and "malicious disobedience" charges used to indefinitely extend sentences are common.
Deaths in Custody: At least nine political prisoners have died in custody since 2020 due to medical neglect or harsh conditions, including high-profile cases reported as recently as late 2025.
2. Transnational Repression and "In Absentia" Trials
The regime has expanded its reach to target the nearly 800,000 Belarusians (roughly 9% of the population) living in exile.
Trials in Absentia: Courts routinely conduct trials for activists abroad, sentencing them to lengthy prison terms and ordering the confiscation of their property within Belarus.
Passport Restrictions: A 2023 decree still prevents Belarusians from renewing passports at embassies abroad, effectively forcing them to return to Belarus (where they face arrest) or become "documented" as stateless persons.
Family Targeting: Authorities have increasingly used "collective punishment," detaining or harassing the family members of activists who have fled the country.
3. Suppression of Civil Society and Media
Independent civic life has been virtually eradicated within the country.
Liquidation of NGOs: Over 1,500 non-governmental organizations, including those for disability rights and environmental protection, have been liquidated since 2021.
"Extremist" Designations: Thousands of social media channels, news outlets, and even specific phrases or symbols (like the white-red-white flag) are classified as "extremist." Following these channels or sharing their content can lead to immediate criminal prosecution.
Language Rights: There are emerging reports of discrimination against the Belarusian language, with the state pushing for total "Russification" in schools and public administration as part of its closer alignment with the Kremlin.
4. Anti-War Repression
Belarusian authorities have harshly suppressed any opposition to Russia's use of Belarusian territory for its war against Ukraine.
"Railroad Partisans": Individuals accused of sabotaging railway lines used for military transport have received sentences of up to 20 years.
Anti-War Speech: Simply posting an anti-war comment on social media or sending a photo of military equipment to independent media can result in "aiding extremist activity" charges.
5. Death Penalty
Belarus remains the only country in Europe that still carries out the death penalty.
Expanded Scope: In recent years, the government has expanded the list of capital offenses to include "attempted acts of terrorism" and "high treason" by officials or military personnel.
Lack of Transparency: Executions are carried out by a firing squad in secret; the date is not announced, and the bodies are not returned to the families.