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 Belarus portal |
The government of Belarus is criticized for its human rights violations and persecution of non-governmental organisations, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians.[1][2] In a testimony to the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice labeled Belarus as one of the world's six "outposts of tyranny".[3] In response, the Belarusian government called the assessment "quite far from reality".[4] During 2020 Belarusian presidential election and protests, the number of political prisoners recognized by Viasna Human Rights Centre rose dramatically to 1062 as of 16 February 2022.[5] Several people died after the use of unlawful and abusive force (including firearms) by law enforcement officials during 2020 protests.[6] According to Amnesty International, the authorities did not investigate violations during protests, but instead harassed those who challenged their version of events.[6] In July 2021, the authorities launched a campaign against the remaining non-governmental organizations, liquidating at least 270 of them by October, including all previously registered human rights organizations in the country.[7]
President Alexander Lukashenko has described himself as having an "authoritarian ruling style".[8] Western countries have described Belarus under Lukashenko as "Europe's last dictatorship"; the government has accused the same Western powers of attempting a regime change.[9] The Council of Europe has barred Belarus from membership since 1997 for undemocratic voting and election irregularities in the November 1996 constitutional referendum and parliament by-elections.[10]
Dozens of Belarusian government officials responsible for political repressions, forced disappearances, propaganda, and electoral fraud have been subject to personal sanctions by the United States of America and the European Union.
- ^ "Essential Background – Belarus". Human Rights Watch. 2005. Retrieved 26 March 2006.
- ^ "Human rights by country – Belarus". Amnesty International Report 2007. Amnesty International. 2007. Archived from the original on 12 December 2007. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
- ^ "Opening Statement by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Senate Foreign Relations Committee" (PDF). 18 January 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2006. Retrieved 26 March 2006.
- ^ "At-a-glance: 'Outposts of tyranny'". BBC News. 19 January 2005. Retrieved 26 March 2006.
- ^ Political prisoners in Belarus
- ^ a b BELARUS: "YOU ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS"
- ^ Belarus Authorities ‘Purge’ Human Rights Defenders
- ^ "Profile: Alexander Lukashenko". BBC News. 20 March 2006. Archived from the original on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 26 March 2006.
- ^ Mulvey, Stephen (10 September 2001). "Profile: Europe's last dictator?". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
- ^ "Belarus suspended from the Council of Europe". Press Service of the Council of Europe. 17 January 1997. Archived from the original on 26 April 2006. Retrieved 26 March 2006.