Belarus using justice system to silence Lukashenko critics, say UN experts

Belarusian authorities have been systematically silencing political critics of President Alexander Lukashenko since 2020, according to UN experts. The government's suppression occurred at every stage of the justice system, including arrests, imprisonment, and surveillance, the experts stated in a report to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council.

Courts, police, security services, prosecutors, and prison authorities all participated in the coordinated campaign to silence perceived or real opponents of the Lukashenko regime. The experts found evidence of systematic violations of international human rights obligations, from arbitrary arrests and torture to closed trials and ongoing harassment of former detainees.

They cited the judiciary as playing a critical role in legitimizing abuses and denying victims effective remedies. Belarus has rejected UN criticism of its human rights record and denied cooperation with the experts, the report noted. The findings come six years after mass protests erupted following the disputed August 2020 presidential election.

Lukashenko denies holding political prisoners, referring to them as "bandits," and has also denied electoral fraud, claiming authorities acted lawfully to restore order. The report was prepared by a three-member panel of independent UN experts who serve in their personal capacities.