Defending Human Rights Activists
Human rights defenders (HRDs) have played a valuable role in documenting the ongoing repressions in Belarus, providing legal assistance to victims, and advising protesters of their rights. The Belarusian authorities escalate pressure on human rights defenders by opening bogus criminal investigations, conducting raids and searches in retaliation for their work, bringing unfounded criminal charges that often result in real prison terms after unfair trials. Some HRDs are currently held in custody, under house arrest or on bail. Some of them have allegedly been tortured and otherwise ill-treated. Lawyers who represent activists and political opposition leaders often have their licenses revoked.
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32
human rights defenders arrested or charged with crimes
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7
Received prison sentences
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37
Lawyers disbarred
Defend
Sentenced
Charged
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Marfa Rabkova -
Andrei Chapiuk -
Kseniya Lutskina -
Andrei Aliaksandrau -
Aleh Hrableuski -
Siarhei Drazdouski -
Dzianis Ivashyn -
Andrzej Poczobut -
Liudmila Chekina -
Iryna Rybalka -
Maryna Zolatava -
Volha Loika -
Alena Talkachova -
Raman Pratasevich -
Tatsiana Kuzina -
Valeryia Kastsiuhova -
Yahor Martsinovich -
Andrei Skurko -
Valiantsin Stefanovic -
Ales Bialiatski -
Uladzimir Labkovich -
Ales Kaputski -
Uladzimir Matskievich -
Iryna Leushyna -
Dzmitry Navazhylau -
Henadz Mazheika -
Iryna Slaunikava -
Volha Harbunova -
Andrei Kuznetchyk -
Siarhei Satsuk -
Pavel Vinahradau -
Aleh Hruzdzilovich
Lawyers disbarred
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Aliaksandr Pylchanka -
Yuliya Levanchuk -
Natallia Ausyannikava -
Liudmila Kazak -
Kanstantsin Mikhel -
Mikhail Kirylyuk -
Maksim Konan -
Andrei Bartashevich -
Mikalay Yotka -
Yelena Shinkarevich -
Uladzimir Sazanchuk -
Siarhei Zikratski -
Volha Baranchyk -
Barys Lyaskouski -
Uladzislau Philipovich -
Siarhei Pichukha -
Hanna Vauchynskaya -
Sviatlana Halalovich -
Andrei Machalau -
Anton Hashynski -
Dzmitry Layeuski -
Valery Zvyahintsau -
Katsiaryna Zheltanoha -
Yauhien Maslau -
Volha Karpushonak -
Yuliya Kniaz -
Aliaksei Tsialehin -
Natallia Matskevich -
Yauhen Pylchanka -
Iryna Varankova -
Ihar Petrashevich -
Dzmitry Lazavik -
Aliaksei Keral -
Illia Salei -
Natallia Aliakseyeva -
Aliaksandr Bialou -
Natallia Vantsovich
Latest
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First hearing in the trial against Leanid Sudalenka, Tatsiana Lasitsa and Maria Tarasenka
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has received new information and requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Belarus.
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Human rights defenders to launch international campaign #FreeViasna
Several key Belarusian and international human rights organizations announced plans to launch an international campaign of solidarity entitled #FreeViasna, following a coordination meeting held in Vilnius on September 6-7.
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Upcoming trial of Leanid Sudalenka, Tatsiana Lasitsa and Maria Tarasenka
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has received new information and requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Belarus.
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One Year of Crackdown on Viasna
17 September 2021 marked one year since the beginning of the crackdown on Viasna, FIDH’s organisation member and Belarus’ leading human rights NGO. Jointly with Viasna, FIDH organised a global rally under the hashtag #FREEVIASNA to stand in solidarity for our imprisoned colleagues and Belarus civil society.
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Ongoing judicial harassment against Nasta Loika
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Belarus.