News

Review of the fight against “extremism” in Belarus in July-September 2022

The review reflects the main trends in the use of "anti-extremist" and "anti-terrorist" laws in Belarus from July to September 2022. We analyze the publications of state media, pro-government Telegram channels, independent media, and human rights organizations.

Nasta Lojka: arrested again, with no access to legal and medical assistance

On 21 September 2021 Belarusian authorities were supposed to release human rights defender Nasta Lojka after having served her 15-day administrative sentence for “petty hooliganism”. However, on the same day she was detained again and once again sentenced to 15 days in jail for “petty hooliganism” under Article 19.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

Digital rights developments in Belarus: digital authoritarianism and digital resistance

The report analyzes the prevalent tendencies of digital authoritarianism in Belarus, the most common violations of human rights in the digital realm, as well as digital resistance tools used by civil society. The report also contains recommendations for the public and private sectors.

Nasta Lojka detained following a “Revolutionary Action” case hearing – Statement

Human rights defender Nasta Lojka was detained in Minsk city court following a hearing in the so-called “Revolutionary Action” group case. The reasons for her detention remain unknown. Digital Freedoms Lab

What is digital authoritarianism and how it limits Internet freedoms?

The Internet began as a space for freedom. Gradually, the states began to restrict it more and more. Digital authoritarianism is a fairly new term that has been picked up by many modern researchers. It includes a range of different restrictions on digital rights and is a way of exerting authoritarian control of cyberspace. Migrants and refugees

For the first time in 12 years, the official authorities of Belarus hosted a UN Special Rapporteur in the country

Human Constanta prepared a written report on the problems faced by migrants.

Death penalty threats: review of the fight against extremism in Belarus in April-June 2022

A review of the use of "anti-extremist" legislation in Belarus from April to June 2022 captures the main trends in the use of the markers "extremism" and "terrorism." We analyze the publications of state media, pro-government Telegram channels, independent media, and human rights organizations. Migrants and refugees

Free Legal office for the protection of the rights of foreign citizens and stateless persons: Report for 2021

This report is an overview of the activities of the free legal office, the specifics of the appeals and a description of the legislative and law enforcement problems that we faced in 2021.

Death penalty for attempted terrorism – Human Constanta’s commentary

On 28 April 2022, the National Legal Portal published the draft law on amendments to the Belarusian Criminal Code. This draft law provided that the grounds for imposing the death penalty could be expanded for attempted acts of terrorism.