Today marks the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus. It has been nearly five years since the rigged elections that sparked nationwide protests and raised hopes for a turning point in the country’s history. Tragically, people’s remarkable resistance triggered an unprecedented crackdown on civil society – one that continues to this day. Yet, despite ongoing repression, Belarusians continue to fight, inspire us, and remain determined to achieve meaningful change. ARTICLE 19 will continue to seize every opportunity to express our unwavering support and admiration for the Belarusian people. We will keep demanding the unconditional release of all political prisoners and an end to the ongoing assault on fundamental rights.
21 May has been designated as the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus to commemorate Vitold Ashurak, who died in a penal colony. For years, the Lukashenko regime has demonstrated the extent of its relentless repression, seeking to dismantle the last remnants of Belarusian civil society and jailing anyone who dares to defy it. However, even when the world struggles to remember, Belarusians continue to show remarkable resistance. That’s why this year’s theme is solidarity. As an international community, we have a duty to keep the Belarusian struggle for freedom on the global agenda, to support the courageous individuals – many of whom are unjustly imprisoned – and to ensure they are not forgotten.
Over 1,000 people remain behind bars in Belarus following sham trials based on bogus charges, often citing so-called violations of public order or alleged affiliation with ‘extremist groups’. In reality, these trumped-up accusations target anyone who dares to support independent media, takes part in peaceful protests, or expresses dissent. Political prisoners in Belarus face inhuman treatment in penal colonies, including torture and the denial of medical care such as doctor’s appointments or essential medications. Many are held incommunicado, cut off entirely from contact with the outside world.
Among those still imprisoned are our former colleague and friend Andrei Aliaksandrau, for whom we launched a solidarity campaign in 2022, and prominent human rights defender Nasta Lojka, who has endured torture while in captivity. Both are serving harsh prison sentences for their vital human rights work. This treatment only further underscores the brutality of the regime toward dissenting voices.
The Lukashenko regime has worked hard to destroy independent media and civil society organisations, to spread a pervasive climate of fear, and to crush all hope. But Lukashenko has not managed to break the courage, resilience, and determination of the Belarusian people, who continue to fight to reclaim their country from the hands of a dictator.
ARTICLE 19 strongly supports all forms of expression of solidarity with the people of Belarus. In line with the initiative launched by human rights group Viasna, we encourage you to write a letter to a political prisoner or share a solidarity message on social media. A chorus of diverse voices demanding justice brings renewed energy and motivation, and it increases pressure on national and international decision-makers to finally hold the Lukashenko regime accountable.
While many Belarusians have been forced to flee – carrying the heavy burden of separation from their families and the pain of not being able to return home – they continue to play an essential role in exile. Journalists carry on with investigative, hard-hitting reporting, exposing Lukashenko’s abuses of power, staying connected with their audiences, and amplifying the plight of Belarusians in international media. Activists engage in high-level advocacy, reminding the world in international forums that the fight is far from over and that we must step up our efforts to challenge the autocrat in Minsk. Their work is crucial to keeping solidarity and collective memory alive.
ARTICLE 19 proudly stands with Belarusians – both inside the country and in exile – and remains committed to defending their cause. We call on the international community to be adamant in demanding the unconditional release of all political prisoners and exert more pressure on the Lukashenko regime. They must know: we will not back down.