83 communications found
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Date, Country, Type and ref. no. of communication |
Mandates | Summary | Replies received |
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Information received concerning the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has resulted in severe and widespread violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). A particularly concerning aspect of the conflict is the treatment of civilians detained by Russian forces in occupied territory. Detentions have reportedly been followed by enforced disappearances, torture, ill-treatment, mock executions, and summary killings, among other abuses. Civilians have also faced unfair trials, incommunicado detention, and a range of other violations of their rights and dignity, which in addition to first-hand accounts is well-documented in the reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation and other credible sources.Alleged victims: 208 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the bill “On Amendments to Codes on Issues of Administrative Liability” (hereafter, “the bill”) which proposes introducing administrative liability for “propaganda of homosexuality, sex change, childlessness, and pedophilia”.Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning the arbitrary convictions of Mr. Siarhei Dziatsuk, Mr. Mikalai Dziadok, Mr. Dzmitry Kazlou and Mr. Zmitser Dashkevich to imprisonment for “malicious disobedience” to penitentiary authorities under Article 411 of the Criminal Code.Alleged victims: 4 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the expulsion from Belarus of 37 Belarusian citizens, including Mr. Yauhen Afnagel, Mr. Mikalai Dziadok, Mr. Dzmitry Kuchuk, Mr. Viachaslau Lazarau, Mr. Ihar Losik, Mr. Uladzimir Matskevich, Mr. Pavel Vinahradau, Mr. Maksim Viniarski, Mr. Andrei Voinich, Mr. Aliaksandr Mancewicz, Mr. Pavel Mazheika, Mr. Yauhen Merkis, Ms. Larysa Shchyrakova and Ms. Irina Slavnikova.Alleged victims: 15 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the designation of the Belarusian Association of Human Rights Lawyers (BAHRL) as an ‘extremist formation’ and the designation of the lawyers Mr. Dzmitry Lepretar, Ms. Natallia Matskevich, Ms. Tatsiana Lishankova, Mr. Uladzimir Pylchanka, Ms. Maryia Kolesava-Hudzilina and Mr. Dmitri Laevski as ‘individuals involved in extremist activities’.Alleged victims: 8 More details... |
12 Dec 2025 |
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Information received concerning the alleged prevention of Ms. Iryna Levina from accessing a life-saving surgery scheduled for 10 October 2025.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
08 Oct 2025 |
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Information received concerning the alleged enforced disappearance of Mr. Mikalai Statkevich.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning restrictions imposed on communications between Ms. Alena Lazarchyk and Ms. Lubov Valiuk, detained single mothers, and their children.Alleged victims: 2 More details... |
19 Nov 2025 |
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Information received concerning the forced and arbitrary separation of Ms. Mariam Soumah from her child, through the child’s placement in state custody and Ms. Soumah’s removal to Somalia.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
27 Oct 2025 |
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Information received concerning alleged ill-treatment in detention leading to severe and potentially irreversible deterioration of health of Ms. Valeryia Kastsiuhova, Ms. Volha Mayorava and Mr. Dzianis Salmanovich, convicted to prison sentences on terrorism and extremism related charges.Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
25 Sep 2025 |
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Information received concerning the deaths in the correctional colony No. 17 in Šklou of Mr. Vitold Ashurok and Mr. Valiantsin Shtermer.Alleged victims: 2 More details... |
28 Jul 2025 |
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Information received concerning ongoing arbitrary deprivation of liberty of persons assigned to coercive psychiatric treatment as a result of their criminal prosecution for expressing dissent with the authorities, including Mr. Michail Liapiejka. We would also like to share with your Excellency’s Government information we have received regarding ongoing ill-treatment in detention of Mr. Andrei Navitski, Mr. Dzianis Salmanovich, including denial of medical care and exposure to conditions incompatible with their disabilities and health situation. Finally, we would like to bring to the attention of your Excellency’s Government information we have received about ill-treatment and deprivation of medical care of women prisoners, which lead to significant health deterioration and trauma, like in the case of Ms. Natallia Hersche, and, in extreme cases, lead to disabilities.Alleged victims: 4 More details... |
12 Jun 2025 |
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Information received concerning ill-treatment of women detained in the correctional colony No. 24 in Zarechye, Homyel (Gomel) region, including Ms. Alena Hnauk, Ms. Viktoriya Kulsha and Ms. Volha Mayorava, and about the life-threatening condition of Ms. Viktoriya Kulsha. In addition, we would like to bring to your attention information we have received concerning health issues experienced by Ms. Iryna Takarchuk, detained in the women’s correctional colony No. 4 in Homyel (Gomel).Alleged victims: 4 More details... | |
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Information received about restrictions on the right to work proposed in the draft law “On Amendments to Laws on Ensuring Children's Rights”.Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning the 90-day freeze of all federal grants and loans, including foreign aid, and stop-work orders, related to the Executive Orders ‘Reevaluating and realigning United States Foreign Aid’ and ‘Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI programs and Preferencing’, enacted on 20 January; as well as the Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, M-25-13 and M-25-14, by the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, that impose a ‘Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs’, and then rescind the pause, respectively; and other specific notes and guidance related to the implementation of these and other recent executive orders . Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning violations of the right to an effective remedy, the right to fair trial, the right to property, the right to an adequate standard of living, including housing, the right to freedom of expression and potential violations of the right to life of individuals prosecuted in absentia under the “special proceedings” (article 468-27 of the Criminal Procedure Code).Alleged victims: 13 More details... |
12 Feb 2025 |
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Information received concerning the inspection of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, the search of its office, its involuntary dissolution, and the designation of its online resources as extremist materials.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
12 Feb 2025 |
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Information received concerning gender-based violence and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of women inmates in Akrestsina (Okrestino) offender isolation centre, Zhodina (Zhodino) No. 8 detention centre, Vitsyebsk pre-trial detention centre and the women’s correctional colonies No. 4 in Homyel (Gomel) and No. 24 in Zarechye, Homyel (Gomel) region. Alleged victims: 8 More details... |
20 Dec 2024 |
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Information received concerning alleged violations of human rights of persons deprived of liberty on criminal and administrative charges in Belarus, including ill-treatment in detention and unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions of the enjoyment of human rights of former convicts. Allegations of ill-treatment of the following prisoners: Mr. Viktar Babaryka, Ms. Alena Hnauk, Ms. Maria Kalesnikava (Kalesnikova), Ms. Viktoriya Kulsha, Ms. Alena Lazarchyk, Mr. Ihar Losik, Ms. Volha Mayorava, Mr. Uladzimir (Vladimir) Matskevich, Ms. Iryna Melkher, Ms. Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Mr. Mikalai (Nikolay) Statkevich, Mr. Valiantsin Stefanovic, Mr. Siarhei Tsikhanouski (Sergey Tihanovski), Mr. Maksim Znak and others.Alleged victims: 16 More details... |
20 Dec 2024 |
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Information received concerning the situation of over 60 older persons who are deprived of liberty in Belarus, including Mr. Vyachaslau Mikhaylavich Areshka, Mr. Vasil Tskihanavich Berasnieu, Ms. Alena Piatrouna Hnauk, Ms. Volha Uladzimirovna Mayorava, Ms. Iryna Aliaksandrauna Melkher, Mr. Mikalai Viktaravich Statkevich and Mr. Aliaksandr Ilich Yarashuk.Alleged victims: 64 More details... |
08 Aug 2024 |
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Information received concerning the alleged arbitrary arrests and detentions and other alleged violations of a human rights defender. Other alleged violations include home and personal searches, and involuntary hospitalization, as well as the alleged enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, grave detention conditions, denial of access to legal assistance, other due process violations, and the alleged smear campaign against him on state television, all reportedly in connection with his legitimate human rights work and the exercise of the right to freedom of expression.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
30 Jul 2024 |
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information received concerning ongoing deterioration of the health condition of Mr. Ryhor Kastusiou (Grigoriy Kostusev), who is serving a sentence in prison No. 1 in Hrodna.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
01 Jul 2024 |
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Information received concerning the alleged ill-treatment in detention of Mr. Pavel Kuchynski.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the alleged ill-treatment in detention of Mr. Ryhor Kastusiou (Grigoriy Kostusev).Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
29 Mar 2024 |
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Information received concerning the alleged incommunicado detention of Mr. Mikalai Statkevich and Ms. Maria Kalesnikova and partial restriction on communication with the family imposed on a victim.Alleged victims: 3 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the designation of the Human Rights Center Viasna and its Homyel regional office, Homyelskaya Viasna, as extremist formations and the banning of access to their web resources in Belarus. We would also like to bring to your attention allegations we have received about arbitrary detention, judicial harassment and ill-treatment suffered by the Russian journalist Ms. Yekaterina Yanshina from Memorial Human Rights Defence Centre, reportedly in retaliation for her attempt to report on the trial of Viasna’s Chair and two of its members in January 2023.Alleged victims: 2 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the Supreme Court of Belarus decision to sentence woman human rights defender Nasta Loika to seven years imprisonment. Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning prosecution under terrorism charges of Ms. Iryna Melkher and her alleged ill-treatment in the women’s correctional colony No. 4 in Homyel.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received about an alleged submission of Mr. Andrzej Poczobut, who is serving a prison sentence in penal colony No. 1 in Navapolatsk, to practices which may amount to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. We would also like to bring to your attention allegations which reveal possible disregard of several international human rights standards in relation to Mr. Poczobut’s prosecution and conviction.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
09 Feb 2024 |
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Information received concerning the death in custody of Mr. Alés Puškin. Mr. Puškin was a famous Belarusian artist, who advocated for protecting the Belarusian language and held performances in protest against violations of freedom of expression and other civil rights. He also participated in peaceful mass protest actions against the results of the 2020 elections.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the use of article 411 of the Criminal Code of Belarus on Malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration of the correctional institution executing punishment in the form of imprisonment in criminal cases against Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and Viktoryia Kulsha.Alleged victims: 2 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the proposed Bill on the Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations, which was recently developed by the chief state religious affairs official, Plenipotentiary for Religious and Ethnic Affairs. On 2 June 2023, the draft was publicly shared to obtain views and comments from concerned stakeholders. We are aware that the period for comments was limited to from 5 to 15 June 2023. Although the deadline for submission of comments is passed, we offer the following analysis as certain provisions in the draft Bill would fail to meet Belarus’ obligations under international human rights law.Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning the purported imminent expulsion of Mr. Dzianis Khakhlou, from Russia to Belarus on grounds of a violation of administrative rules on migration. Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Follow-up on the cases of Messrs Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka, and Maksim Znak based on new information received, including allegations of incommunicado detention of individuals sentenced on politically motivated charges, denial of visits by family members, lawyers and independent physicians, denial of communication and correspondence and concerns of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or torture that endanger their health and life, and danger that they are subjected to enforced disappearance. Alleged victims: 3 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the conditions and treatment of detainees at the two penal colonies for women in Belarus, as well as in the Akrestina detention centre. Although the number of women detained in such dire conditions is allegedly larger, this communication focuses on the documented cases of seven women, detained and sentenced on what appear to be politically motivated charges, that suffered irreversible and sometimes life-threatening health deterioration in detention and denial of medical treatment, potentially amounting to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, namely: (1) Maria Kalesnikava, (2) Ksenia Lutskina, (3) Maria Rabkova, (4) Kanovalova Antonina, (5) Redacted, (6) Volha Zalatar, (7) Viktoryia Kulsha.Alleged victims: 62 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the criminal proceedings against members of Human Rights Center Viasna. Human Rights Center Viasna is a Belarusian non-governmental organization, established in 1996 to help victims of human rights violations. The main goal of the organization is to contribute to the development of the civil society in Belarus, based on the respect of human rights standards.Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
19 May 2023 |
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Information received concerning amendments to the criminal code of Belarus (Law No. 275-Z of 9 July 1999) introducing capital punishment for State officials and military personnel convicted of high treason.Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning amendments to law No. 136-Z "On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus" allowing for the deprivation of nationality as a punitive measure and the application of the new Criminal Procedure Code provisions on trials in absentia. We have doubts about the compatibility of these legislative provisions and their implementation with the international human rights law obligations binding on Belarus. Namely, in terms of their potential negative impact on the right to a nationality and the right to a fair trial, the denial of which would profoundly affect the enjoyment of all other fundamental rights. Furthermore, there could be a potential intimidatory effect of this legislation purporting to limit the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including those of opinion and expression as well as of peaceful assembly and association by Belarusian nationals abroad, preventing them from uniting in any structures, participating in public actions, or expressing dissenting views and criticism towards the current governance. Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning the emergency hospitalization of Ms. Maria Kalesnikova, a prominent member of the opposition and one of the leaders of peaceful protests in Belarus, serving an 11-year prison sentence.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
19 Dec 2022 |
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Information received concerning the administrative detention of Mr. Uladzimir Tseliapun and Ms. Nasta Loika.Alleged victims: 2 More details... |
01 Feb 2023 |
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Information received concerning the allegations of arbitrary arrest of 4 trade union leaders, including Mr. Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Mr. Hennadz Fiadynich and Mr. Vasil Berasneu on 19 April 2022, and their lengthy pre-trial detention in state custody in violation of the international human rights norms binding Belarus. Moreover, we are concerned about the imminent threats to their health and life due to inadequate detention conditions and lack of access to necessary and proper medical care in detention.Alleged victims: 4 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the arrest and detention of Ms. Natalya Nikitina, as well as severe restrictions of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country. Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information concerning the case of Mr. Autukhovich, who is protesting on hunger strike against his complete deprivation of access to correspondence and access to outside information. Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code of Belarus (Law No. 275-Z of 9 July 1999) adopted by the two chambers of the Belarusian Parliament on 27 April 2022, and signed into law by the President of Belarus on 13 May 2022, which provide for an extension of the application of the death penalty for “attempted” crimes related to terrorism, including activities that do not fall under the category of “most serious crimes” established by international law for the imposition of capital punishment. The fact that the proposed amendments would extend the death penalty to acts beyond intentional killing, as well as seemingly broad and vague definitions of “terrorist acts,” raise concerns that they could be interpreted to include acts aimed at the legitimate exercise of fundamental rights.Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Information received concerning the arrest, detention and conviction of Mr. Sudalenka as a possible reprisal for his human rights work and the exercise of his profession as lawyer to his clients.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning Mr. Vladimir Matskevich, a Belarusian public figure, who was allegedly arbitrarily arrested on 4 August 2021.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of Olga Gorbunova, publicly known for her work as a women’s human rights defender.Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Information received concerning the Ministry of Justice’s suspension of Ms. Matskevich from performing her professional duties in connection with the disciplinary proceedings initiated against her on the basis of the order of the former Minister of Justice. She was later excluded from the Minsk Bar Association.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
27 Jan 2022 |
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Information received regarding multiple raids of human rights organisations, the initiation of liquidation proceedings against scores of them and the detention and charges brought against large numbers of human rights defenders in Belarus.Alleged victims: 38 More details... |
23 Nov 2021 |
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Information received concerning the alleged physical and psychological abuse, coercion to leave Belarus, and ban on re-entry imposed on human rights defender and lawyer Mr. Volodymyr Yavorskyy, as well as the alleged arbitrary detention, administrative charges, criminalisation and ban to leave Belarus imposed on woman human rights defender Ms. Tatsiana Hatsura-Yavorskaya. We also bring to your attention the alleged attempts by authorities to liquidate human rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) Zvyano.Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
02 Sep 2021 |
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Information received concerning the arrest and detention of Roman Protasevich, as well as severe restrictions to media freedom in the country.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
09 Jun 2021 |
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Information received concerning the revocation of the licenses to practice law of five lawyers who have been providing legal services to, inter alia, opposition leaders and peaceful protesters. Alleged victims: 12 More details... |
24 Jun 2021 |
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Information received concerning arbitrary arrests, detention and the excessive use of force and ill-treatment against protesters and the repression on journalists and media personnel.Alleged victims: 13 More details... | |
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Information received regarding the continued criminalisation of human rights defenders in Belarus, many of whom are accused of economic crimes, or have had their right to freedom of expression restricted, following their support for demonstrations that have taken place across the country since August 2020.Alleged victims: 12 More details... | |
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Information received regarding the interruption of the water supply to "Novaya Borovaya" district in Minsk for political reasons, as retaliation for residents’ participation in anti-Government protests and activities.Alleged victims: 15000 More details... |
17 May 2021 |
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In this regard, we offer the following comments and suggestions on the Law No. 14-Z of 13 May 2020 which amends Law No. 165-З of 30 June 2014 on “actions to be taken to prevent legitimization of the proceeds of crime and the financing of terrorism and financing the weapons of mass destruction proliferation” and the Decree Nº 153-1 issued by the Ministry of Justice on 7 November 2020 on “information about the activities of public associations and foundations”. In the context of our review of these legal bodies, and the legislation they draw and build upon, we are concerned that their application may result in the imposition of serious restrictions to non-profit civil society organizations including those working for the promotion and protection of human rights in Belarus.Alleged victims: - More details... |
17 May 2021 |
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Information received concerning the practice of prosecuting the display of red-white-red flags and other symbols of the political opposition in Belarus, as well as a refusal to investigate, prosecute and punish offences committed against individuals displaying.Alleged victims: - More details... |
17 May 2021 |
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Information received concerning the arrest and detention of lawyers, allegedly in connection to the legitimate exercise of their professional activities in favour of opposition leaders, such as Ms. Maria Kalesnikova.Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
17 Dec 2020 |
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Information received concerning the alleged arbitrary detention of and judicial proceedings against woman human rights defenders Marina Dubina, Irina Sukhiy, and Maria Rabkova. Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
30 Nov 2020 |
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Information received concerning an alleged enforced disappearance of Ms. Maria Kalesnikava, a prominent member of the opposition and one of the leaders of peaceful protests in Belarus. We have also received information on what appears to be a systematic targeting and persecution by security forces of the members of the opposition associated with the Coordination Council. According to the reports received, most of them were also subjected to enforced disappearance.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
02 Oct 2020 |
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Information received concerning allegation of torture and ill-treatment against detained protestersAlleged victims: 2 More details... |
31 Aug 2020 |
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Information received concerning the forced removal of Mr. Viktor Bugaev from Sweden to Belarus, in violation of non-refoulement principle.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
03 Jul 2020 (Ack.) 25 Aug 2020 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) 25 Aug 2020 (Annex) |
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Information received concerning detention of over 120 persons in connection with their participation in protests or for having otherwise peacefully expressed their views. Alleged victims: 120 More details... | |
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Information received concerning alleged arbitrary detention of Mr. Siarhei Satsuk, investigative journalist, due to his journalistic activities. Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
27 May 2020 |
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Information received concerning the alleged intimidation and harassment of lawyer and human rights defender Mr. Oleg Volchek for the legitimate exercise of his professional activities.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
23 Apr 2020 |
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Information received concerning the case of imminent extradition of Mr. Nikolai Makhalichev, Jehovah’s Witness from the Russian Federation, in violation of the non-refoulement principle.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
17 Apr 2020 |
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Information received concerning the lack of accountability in the alleged cases of enforced disappearance and summary execution of Mr. Yuriy Zakharenko, Mr. Anatoliy Krasovskiy, and Mr. Dmitriy Zavadski.Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
23 Mar 2020 |
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Information received regarding the situation of children arrested and detained in relation to drug offences. Alleged victims: - More details... |
03 Jan 2020 |
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Information received concerning allegations of arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as inhuman treatment by law enforcement officers on 16 May 2019 targeting Roma people, including women, children, and elderly people in the city of Mahiliou.Alleged victims: 200 More details... |
12 Dec 2019 |
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Information received concerning the expulsion orders against Mr. Vladimir Trauter, a citizen of the Russian Federation residing in Belarus since 1994, and Mr. Sergey Rezchik, a citizen of the Russian Federation residing in Belarus since 1996, in response to minor administrative offenses.Alleged victims: 2 More details... |
19 Sep 2019 |
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Information received concerning the alleged judicial harassment against Mr. Uladzimir Vialičkin, a human rights defender and member of the non-governmental organisation “Viasna” and Mr. Vital Kazak, environmental rights defender, as well as the alleged arbitrary detention of Mr. Aliaksandr Kabanaŭ, environmental rights defender and blogger, for their participation in peaceful protests against the construction of a battery plant in Brest.Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
16 May 2019 |
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Information received concerning the judicial harassment against Mr. Alies Burakoŭ, a human rights defender and journalist, editor of the human rights web platform “Human rights in Mahilioŭ” (the regional website of the Human Rights Center “Viasna”), and member of non-governmental organization “Viasna”. Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
25 Mar 2019 |
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Information received concerning the allegations of arbitrary arrest of seven human rights defenders, Mr. Maksim Kavaliou, Ms. Tatsiana Mastykina, Mr. Andrus Krechka, Mr. Igor Bogachek, Ms. Nasta Loika, Ms. Hanna Sakhankova and Ms. Anastasia Vasilchuk.Alleged victims: 7 More details... |
19 Jul 2018 |
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Information received concerning the judicial harassment faced by several labour rights defenders, members and leaders of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union of Radio and Electronic Industry Workers (REP) and the Belarusian Independent Trade Union (BITU), in particular the arrest of Mr. Ihar Komlik and Mr. Henadz Fiadynich. Alleged victims: 5 More details... |
02 Nov 2017 |
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Information received concerning the arrest and detention under administrative charges of Mr. Anatoly Poplavnyi, Mr. Aleh Volchek, Mr. Pavel Levinov, Mr. Eduard Balanchuk, another 58 human rights observers, as well as the warning issued under similar charges to Mr. Leonid Sudalenko, for their monitoring of and participation in peaceful protests in different cities of Belarus in the period of February – March 2017. Alleged victims: 5 More details... |
06 Jul 2017 (Ack.) 06 Jul 2017 |
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Information received concerning allegations of possible immediate extradition of Mr. Chary Annamuradov, from Belarus to Turkmenistan, where he risks being subjected to ill-treatment and torture as a result of the exercise of his right to freedom of expression through his previous work as a journalist.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
21 Sep 2016 |
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Alleged detention, searching and charging of a human rights defender. According to the information received, on 25 August 2015, Mr. Leanid Sudalenka was detained for two hours at the Minsk regional customs office at Molodechno station, Belarus, and subjected to a personal search before being released. On 14 October 2015, Mr. Sudalenka was charged under article 23.4 of the Administrative Code with disobeying the demands of persons in the execution of their duties, in relation to the incident on 25 August 2015. His trial commenced on 20 October 2015, however, the case was referred back to the Department of Customs Investigation to correct deficiencies in the case. Mr. Sudalenka was the subject of two previous communications sent on 17 April 2015, see A/HRC/18/51, case no. BLR 1/2015, and on 25 February 2011, see A/HRC/18/51, case no. BLR 2/2011. Alleged victims: 1 More details... | |
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Allegations of death threats made against a human rights lawyer and activist, as well as his family, for his legitimate and peaceful human rights work. According to the information received, in February 2015, Mr. Leanid Sudalenka, the chairperson of the Homiel city branch of the civil society association ‘Legal Initiative’, and his family started to receive death threats in relation to his human rights work, in particular legal work. Following these threats, Mr. Sudalenka filed several requests with the Homiel Regional Police Department for a criminal investigation. His repeated requests have however been denied. On 7 April 2015, Mr. Sudalenka’s offices at Legal Initiative as well as his home residence were raided by the police. Concern is expressed for the physical and psychological security and integrity of Mr. Sudalenka and his family. Grave concern is expressed at allegations that the death threats against his family, as well as the police raids, are linked to his legitimate and peaceful human rights work, in particular his legal work. Mr. Sudalenka was the subject of a previous communication sent on 25 February 2011, see A/HRC/18/51, case no. BLR 2/2011. Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
12 Jun 2015 |
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Alleged deportation of a human rights defender, on the basis of minor civil offences, linked to her legitimate human rights activities in Belarus. According to the information received, on 30 October 2014, Ms. Elena Tonkacheva, Chairperson of the Board of the Centre for Legal Transformation (LawTrend), a non-governmental organization, was notified that her permanent residence permit had been revoked on the basis of committing five civil offences in the preceding twelve month period, including minor speeding violations. On 5 November 2014, Ms. Tonkacheva was handed a deportation order, to be executed within one month, barring her from entering Belarus for three years. Allegedly, Ms. Tonkacheva had not been provided with the full details of her case until the decision of deportation was communicated to her. Concern is expressed that the administrative decision with regards to Ms. Tonkacheva may be linked to her legitimate activities aimed at promoting and defending human rights in Belarus. Ms. Tonkacheva was the subject of a previous communication sent on 1 June 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case no. BLR 7/2011.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
16 Jan 2015 |
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Alleged risk of execution following proceedings that have reportedly been marred by secrecy. According to the information received, on 26 November 2013, Mr. Lykov was sentenced to death by the Minsk Regional Court on charges of murder. It is reported that no information is available regarding the details of the trial and conviction of Mr. Lykov and that the legal proceedings against him were held behind closed doors. Therefore, it is alleged that the death penalty may have been imposed and may be carried out against Mr. Eduard Lykov, after a trial that did not meet the most stringent fair trial and due process guarantees.Alleged victims: 1 More details... |
31 Mar 2014 |
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Alleged risk of executions after proceedings that did not comply with fair trial and due process standards. According to the information received, Messrs Pavel Selyun, Rygor Yuzepchuk and Alyaksandr Haryunou were sentenced to death in 2013, on charges of murder. The Supreme Court reportedly upheld the death sentences against Messrs Selyun and Yuzepchuk, putting them allegedly at risk of imminent execution. It is reported that the proceedings in all three cases did not meet international human rights norms of fair trial and due process. The trials were allegedly not fully transparent, with the proceedings against Messrs Selyun and Yuzepchuk being held in secret. Moreover, the lawyers did not have full access to the documents of the prosecution. Mr Haryunou was also allegedly diagnosed with a psycho-social disability. Alleged victims: 3 More details... |
18 Dec 2013 |
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Allegations of confirmed forced cessation of a human rights organization’s activities in appeal. According to the information received, the human rights organization Platforma filed an appeal to the appellate instance of the Minsk Economic Court following the decision of the Minsk Economic Court to terminate its activities. The appeal hearing was scheduled for 13 November 2012. On 12 November 2012, representatives of Platforma filed a written notification with the appellate instance of the Minsk Economic Court in order to postpone the hearing as none of them could be present on this day, however to no avail. On 13 November 2012, the appeal was heard in the absence of representatives of Platforma and the appellate instance of the Minsk Economic Court, upheld the decision of the Minsk Economic Court. The forced cessation of Platforma’s activities was the subject of a previous communication (see A/HRC/22/67, case no BLR 4/2012).Alleged victims: - More details... | |
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Alleged arrest of, and imposition of fines on three human rights defenders. According to the information received, Messrs. Raman Yurhel, Viktar Sazonau and Uladzimir Khilmanovich were made aware of the charges brought against them under Article 23.34 of the Belarusian Administrative Code (organizing or conducting a mass event or demonstration), on 19 December, some days after photographs of themselves appeared on the internet website of the NGO Viasna, showing them in the town of Hrodna on 10 December 2012 with a portrait of Mr. Ales Bialiatski, imprisoned Belarusian Human Rights defender, and booklets of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The three cases, having been merged into one, were heard by the Leninski District Court of Hrodna on 5 January 2013. It is reported that neither witnesses nor any evidence was presented during the hearing with accusations being based solely on police reports. The Presiding Judge allegedly made no interventions during the hearing, only issuing the court ruling at the end. Alleged victims: 3 More details... |