Political repression in Belarus is an issue we tend to overlook or at least fail to prioritize. Dissent is not an option; speaking out is a criminal offence, and exile – a concept once associated with times gone by – is the daily reality for many years now.
Since the mass protests following the rigged 2020 presidential election, the Lukashenko regime has escalated a multi-pronged crackdown on civil society, with the overarching goal of eliminating any independent or critical-thinking initiatives in the country. Independent media have been blocked, human rights organizations liquidated, and new laws adopted that criminalize virtually any form of dissent online, even a simple “like.” Journalists, activists, and citizens who care about Belarus face charges of extremism, terrorism, and disrupting public order. Trumped-up accusations are confirmed in sham trials, resulting in real prison sentences. Belarusian authorities continue to conduct politically motivated trials related to the 2020 mass protests. Freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate – two fundamental rights – have made individuals like Ales Bialatski, human rights defender, pro-democracy activist, and writer, as well as any active citizen, targets of repression.
Key Insights
- International pressure and support must continue to secure the release of more than 1,000 political prisoners in Belarus.
- Political prisoners who are operating internationally after being forcibly removed from the country have a great influence both in Belarus and within the diaspora community. They don’t lose contact with people staying in the country and reflect their needs in their advocacy activities.
- It’s crucial for the EU and Netherlands to offer actionable long-term support to Belarus through donor coordination and continued advocacy.
- The words we use matter: Political prisoners are not being “released” but deported under very violent conditions
The current reality: Democracy in Belarus
“The world we’re living in is like a closed jar, and the repression machine does not stop.”
Ales’ testimony highlights the systematic repression in Belarus, where the state maintains power through extreme measures to silence alternative thought.
Despite the intense domestic pressure and the ongoing hardships of political persecution endured by more than 1,000 political prisoners, Ales emphasizes a remarkable resilience: there is widespread internal dissatisfaction with the regime and a profound need for continued international pressure and support for civil society to bring about democratic change.
On the role of civil organisations
“Stay active, join forces, and work internationally in solidarity.”
Belarusian resistance has evolved from a small circle of activists into a sophisticated network that transcends borders. While the regime uses exile as a weapon of silence, displaced leaders have instead built a “Belarus in exile,” establishing diverse initiatives that range from environmental advocacy to youth empowerment.
This external force for change maintains a vital, invisible pulse within the country, where the population continues to resist despite repression. Ales Bialatski believes in a democratic transition that is not just a dream, but an active, growing project.
What needs to be done?
“Democracy is not given; every generation has to fight for it.”
Ales emphasises that Belarus is historically and geographically an integral part of Europe, which is for regional stability including supporting Ukraine in their resistance against the Russian invasion. Belarus’ difficult experience serves as a vital warning for other democracies to stay vigilant against the familiar playbooks of repression:
“If you imagine that Europe is a big house, the room that represents Belarus is in danger. You can either lock the doors and throw out the key and forget it exists or you can help clean it up.”
To prevent the “democratic gaslighting”, Marcela Rilovic stresses the international community’s role: the EU and The Netherlands must do more than just watch. Practical support means “investing in ecosystems” of solidarity, mainstreaming human rights into security policies, and ensuring that Belarusian activists have a seat at the multilateral table.
Why does this matter to us?
To invest in peace and justice ecosystems means to engage and showcase the realities of human rights defenders and democracy. The Hague’s international role proves that modern authoritarian structures are also a reality in Europe.
We are dedicated to promoting and strengthening democracy and the rule of law as the foundation for secure, just, and resilient societies — at home and around the world. This is why the Humanity Hub works toward fostering collective action and facilitates the Democracy and Rule of Law Collective, a group of professionals and organisations who come together to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
About Democracy Drinks The Hague
Democracy Drinks The Hague is a regular event series that brings together professionals, researchers, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss pressing issues related to democracy and the rule of law.
The series is coordinated by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC), and The Hague Humanity Hub, and regularly partners with organisations across the peace, justice, and democracy ecosystem.
The 30 March edition on Solidarity with Belarus & Lessons in Resilience was organised in collaboration with Article 19.
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