The Belarusian authorities are misusing counter-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation to further purge civic space, suppress freedom of expression and eradicate political opposition, a UN expert said.
“Many opposition figures, civil society activists, human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists have been abusively labelled as “extremists”, detained and prosecuted since 2020. Harassment, repression and fear compelled those who are not behind bars to seek refuge abroad,” said Anaïs Marin, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus.
— idhae (@idhae4) September 2, 2023
In her report to the General Assembly, Marin noted that Belarusian legislation provides loose definitions of “terrorism” and “extremism” which can be interpreted to include activities related to the legitimate exercise of human rights.
The expert warned that convictions for terrorism have multiplied against individuals who sought to document or obstruct the transit of Russian troops and military equipment for the war in Ukraine through Belarussian territory. The scope of the death penalty, applied in Belarus notably for terrorism, has reportedly been extended to include “planned” or “attempted” acts of terrorism, as well as high treason.
BIÉLORUSSIE -26 juillet 2023 Yulia Yurhilevich condamnée à SIX ans de prison pour avoir donné des renseignements à un journaliste sur les prisonniers politiques après avoir été radiée du barreau sur demande du procureur de Grodno [L'Observatoire] #bielorussia #lukashenko pic.twitter.com/EFgBCDGjiE
— idhae (@idhae4) July 30, 2023
“The weaponisation of legislation is possible because there are no guarantees of fair trial in Belarus, while court hearings behind closed doors and non-disclosure agreements imposed on lawyers are widespread,” the Special Rapporteur said.
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Belarus misuses counter-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation to stifle dissent: UN expert
