It has been five long years since Andrei Aliaksandrau was arrested and imprisoned on ill-founded, politically-motivated charges in Belarus. On this grim anniversary, we honour our friend, colleague, and an incredibly kind and courageous human being who dedicates his life to the fight for freedom in Belarus. He never gave up, and neither should we. We continue to demand the release of Andrei and of all political prisoners in Belarus.
In 2022, together with Index on Censorship, we launched a solidarity campaign to demand the release of Andrei and to show the harsh reality of political prisoners in Belarus. Join us and don’t let them be forgotten.
On 12 January 2021, human rights defender Andrei Aliaksandrau was arrested for allegedly paying fines and covering detention costs for people apprehended during mass pro-democracy protests in Minsk in 2020, following the rigged presidential elections. Andrei was initially charged with the ‘organisation and preparation of actions, grossly violating public order, or active participation in them’, as well as ‘funding and other material support for such activities’. Subsequently, he was also charged with ‘high treason’. On 6 October 2022, the Minsk Regional Court sentenced Andrei to 14 years in prison.
The mass protests against the stolen elections only triggered further repression. The human rights situation in Belarus remains dire and Aleksander Lukashenko is proof that autocrats will stop at nothing to consolidate absolute power.
In Belarus, any form of dissent can be labelled ‘extremism’, ‘terrorism’, or a ‘violation of public order’ – be it an online comment, a meme, or a song. The overly-broad extremism provisions have become a go-to tool to harass and threaten citizens, as indicated in joint analysis prepared by ARTICLE 19 and Belarusian human rights organisation Human Constanta. However absurd, these accusations carry harsh and very real consequences.
Over 1,000 people remain behind bars, serving long sentences after sham trials based on bogus charges, with no genuine chance to defend themselves, as the verdict is known before the staged proceedings even begin.
‘Andrei has been in prison for five years simply for defending free media and human rights. He has always been dedicated to supporting the Belarusian people – his people. His stamina, strength, kindness, and determination should be an inspiration to us all. As some political prisoners are being released, we hope to see his face in the free world again soon’, Joanna Szymańska, ARTICLE 19’s Head of Programmes and Strategy for Europe, said.
In December, we welcomed the release of 123 political prisoners, including human rights defenders and Viasna members Ales Bialiatski and Uladzimir Labkovich, key opposition figures Maryia Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, and lawyer Maksim Znak. While this is a positive step showing that pressure and determination matter, efforts must continue until all political prisoners are released and can remain in Belarus without being expelled or fearing reprisals.
Political prisoners in Belarus face inhuman treatment in penal colonies. They are tortured and denied medical care, including access to doctors and essential medications. Many are held incommunicado, entirely cut off from contact with the outside world.
The Lukashenko regime relentlessly targets anyone who dares to support what’s left of independent media, takes part in peaceful protests, or merely speaks the truth.
Aleksander Lukashenko and his inner circle have worked relentlessly to shut down all independent media, liquidate human rights organisations, harass journalists and activists, and threaten their families and anyone who does not fully obey at all times. Yet the rampant climate of fear has not broken the spirit of Belarusians or their strong determination to resist oppression and work towards a brighter future. Belarusians continue their fight both inside the country and in exile: they organise in independent outlets, bring the Belarusian cause to the international level, support one another, and constantly adapt their work in the face of growing transnational repression.
People in Belarus like our dear colleague Andrei are fearless, kind-hearted, strong, and truly inspiring. We should all follow their example. Regardless of the level of repression and the grim picture of Lukashenko seemingly getting away with human rights violations and other crimes, we must keep pushing for accountability and justice. We want to see all political prisoners released and Belarus free. We must stand by Belarusians who show such extraordinary resilience.
Read more about our work to release political prisoners in Belarus.