Signed petition as a way to prison: Belarus criminalizes online activism and education

Reporting period: Saturday, 14 June 2025 – Friday, 27 June 2025

Human rights in Belarus: key updates

This report is based on open sources and Human Constanta’s monitoring. It highlights continued repression in Belarus, including new legal tools for state control and selected prisoner releases.

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Selective pardons after foreign negotiations
14 political prisoners were released after talks between Lukashenka and a U.S. envoy. Most were foreign nationals; a few were prominent Belarusians like Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who spent five years in near-total isolation and suffered severe health deterioration. The decision appears tied to political bargaining.

Extremism law expands again
New legal amendments broaden who can be added to Belarus’s “terrorist” and “extremist” lists. Authorities can now target nearly any politically motivated act — including economic or defamation-related charges — if deemed rooted in “hatred.” Criteria for inclusion were widened; removals remain rare and highly discretionary.

Crackdown on digital solidarity
First prison sentences were issued for interactions with the Belaruski Hajun Telegram project, which monitors military activity. At least 20 people have been targeted for “aiding extremist activity” after sending tips to the bot.

Civic initiatives criminalized
Educational and civic platforms like Adu.place and Petitions.by were labeled “extremist formations.” Legal experts warn that even signing a petition could now be prosecuted under extremism laws.

Espionage and treason cases grow
Since January 2025, 14 people have been detained on espionage or treason charges. Trials remain closed. According to the KGB, some released prisoners were previously accused of spying.

Support for political prisoners punished
Relatives and supporters of political prisoners continue to face charges. Three individuals were sentenced for offering aid to detainees' families — labelled “aiding extremist activity.”

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Political prisoner statistics (as of 27 June 2025):

• 1,168 political prisoners (Viasna)

• 1,289 (Dissidentby)

• 10 held incommunicado

• 27 deaths linked to repression

• Nasta Lojka has spent over 1,000 days in custody