As Belarus approaches its presidential election on January 26, 2025, Amnesty International has called upon the country’s authorities to curtail ongoing repressive measures that have raised global concern. The human rights organization emphasizes that the Belarusian government, under the leadership of President Alexander Lukashenko, is stifling free expression through tactics that include arbitrary detentions, torture, and the criminalization of dissent.
Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, underscored the oppressive environment cultivated by Lukashenko’s administration, stating that dissent is effectively silenced, creating what she describes as a “suffocating climate of fear.”
The organization also highlights the misuse of anti-extremism laws, which have resulted in over 6,500 online platforms, including international news outlets, being labeled as “extremist,” thereby limiting access to diverse information and infringing on basic civil liberties.
Alongside Amnesty International, other international bodies are voicing concern over the situation in Belarus. A notable development is a complaint filed with the International Criminal Court by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), accusing Lukashenko of crimes against humanity, particularly targeting journalists. Jeanne Cavelier, from RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk, criticized the upcoming election as lacking genuine competition due to restricted media freedoms.
Statistics from Belarusian human rights groups reveal the stark reality on the ground. By the end of 2024, there were 1,265 political prisoners, with over 50,000 people, including human rights activists, reportedly subjected to arbitrary arrests. In addition, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in December 2024 demanded the release of imprisoned journalists and urged the state to uphold free expression rights.
This forthcoming election represents a critical juncture for Belarus, as international observers and rights organizations continue to watch closely and advocate for the fundamental human rights of Belarusian citizens amidst a challenging political landscape.