The arrest of opposition blogger Raman Pratasevich shocked the world when Belarus forced his Ryanair flight to Lithuania to land in Minsk.
Belarus articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Belarus. According to Freedom House, "serious and widespread irregularities marred all recent elections". It is known as the last dictatorship in Europe and remains in close relationship with Russia. Also check out our section on World Democracy.
In Belarus, A Social Media Post Brings 6.5 Years In Prison
Belarus has been transformed into a Russian air base by Mr. Lukashenko, who is increasingly looking to Russia for protection.
Belarus Sentences Journalist To Prison; Label More Media ‘Extremist’
Belarus recently designated some journalists extremists and arrested journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich, ex-reporter for Radio Svaboda.
Belarusian Cross-Country Skier Flees Country
Another athlete has fled Belarus, fearing retaliation from the country’s autocratic regime, as the Winter Olympics get underway.
Belarusian Athletes: From Sports Stars To Exiles
Sportspeople who oppose Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko are forced into exile. But what has happened since they left Belarus?
Belarus Jailing People For Praising Kazakhstan Protesters
After Russia sending troops to Kazakhstan to help quell dissent, Belarus is jailing its own citizens for supporting the protests.
Belarus Closes Journalist Organization, Continuing Crackdown
As they pursue silencing critical reporting, authorities have ordered the closing of Belarus’s largest independent journalist association.
Pro-Democracy Belarusian Kickboxer Facing Prison
Belarus champion kickboxer Alyaksey Kudzin has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for “assaulting” a police officer during protest.
Head Of Belarusian Exile Group Found Hanged In Ukraine
A Belarusian activist in exile in Ukraine was found hanged in a park near his home in Kyiv early Tuesday, prompting a murder probe.
Belarus Sprinter Says Punishment Awaited Her At Home
After feud with her team officials at Tokyo Games Belarus sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya expressed fears of punishment back home.