Was Belarus’s state hijacking of a plane last Sunday to arrest a dissident a show of force by President Lukashenko or an act of desperation?
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.
Meet The Belarus Rugby Captain Fighting For Democracy
Mariya Shakuro, captain of Belarus women’s sevens and beach rugby sides, was imprisoned for 10 days for opposing Lukashenko.
Detained Belarus Journalist Appears In Forced Confession Video
Belarusian activist Raman Pratasevich appeared in a 29-second video in which he confesses to crimes. Video analysis suggests coercion.
Belarus Forces Down Plane Carrying Dissident
The plane with the well-known Belarusian dissident, Roman Protasevich, was flying from Athens to Lithuania when it was forced down.
Belarus’s Channels Of Civil Society Are Being Destroyed
Tut.by, a Belarusian website that reported on protests against President Lukashenko’s election fraud, has been taken offline.
New Laws To Severely Deteriorate Belarus Human Rights
The Belarusian National Assembly’s Council of the Republic adopted three new laws on April 21, further restricting basic freedoms.
New Laws Further Stifle Freedom Of Speech In Belarus
If adopted, recently enacted amendments to law will further undermine freedom of speech and independent journalism in Belarus.
Belarus Detains At Least 16 Journalists Over Protest Coverage
News sources say that Belarusian authorities arrested at least 16 journalists and fined at least three others between March 18 and 27.
Belarus Escalates Crackdown on Independent Journalism
Belarusian authorities have escalated a crackdown against independent journalism using arbitrary detentions, fines and prison sentences.
Eurovision Song Contest Officially Excludes Belarus
The Eurovision Song Contest has excluded Belarus for the second time because its entry violated the competition’s non-political nature.