Human rights advocates classify the current situation in Belarus as critical. State terror and repression against dissidents, political opponents, protest participants, journalists and activists continue without interruption. The number of political prisoners has increased again and is approaching a thousand.
The authorities show no intention of promoting national reconciliation. Civil society was virtually destroyed, with opposition and hundreds of non-governmental organizations dissolved or forced to leave the country. Persecutions, deportations and torture remain documented. Belarusian support for the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine also continues.
Political prisoners total 854 at the end of May
As of the end of May 2026, 854 people remained detained as political prisoners in Belarusian detention centers. Of these, 112 were women. The total number of former political prisoners reached 3,833, 765 of whom were women.
Defenders registered at least 170 prisoners in situations of extreme vulnerability due to health problems, old age or detention conditions. In May, 32 individuals were recognized as political prisoners. The decrease in the pace of new recognitions does not reflect a reduction in repression. Authorities restrict access to information about processes.
- Since 2020, at least 9,792 people have been subject to politically motivated criminal prosecution.
- At least 8,477 were convicted, including in absentia.
- The numbers continue to increase monthly.
- Prisoners face selective restrictions and constant pressure.
- The practice of registering detainees as “prone to extremism” generates further deprivation.
Cases of torture and ill-treatment persist
Defenders regularly document torture and prohibited treatments during investigations and sentencing. Reports include beatings, prolonged punishment cells, sleep deprivation, chronic cold and denial of medical care.
Former prisoners described overcrowded cells, sensory isolation and systematic psychological pressure. An international platform collected more than 38 thousand documents and around 3 thousand testimonies from victims to submit to the International Criminal Court and UN bodies.
Specific cases involve inmates with physical disabilities held under a strict regime and the deterioration of the health of several inmates. Preventive detention extends even after initial sentences have been served through new disciplinary charges.
Persecution hits exiles and family members
More than 30 searches of activists’ homes abroad were recorded. Pressure on family members who remain in the country includes intimidation, seizure of assets and threats. Approximately 6,000 Belarusians have been added to Russia’s wanted lists.
Cases of detention abroad on Belarusian extradition requests occurred in Armenia and Italy. Activists report humiliating border searches. Former political prisoners face restrictions on employment, banking services and mobility even after release.
Freedom of expression and association under attack
Authorities expand lists of extremists and banned materials. The national list of extremist materials has grown. Organizations, channels and publications are labeled to justify further repressions. Searches and processes affected candidates for the Coordination Council and participants in cultural events.
Journalists and human rights defenders remain targets. The Belarusian Association of Journalists has been designated as an extremist entity. Independent media faces searches and lawsuits. Freedom of peaceful assembly is restricted even at previously approved events.
Support for Russia and repression in solidarity with Ukraine
At least 171 people were deprived of their liberty for expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Convictions involve links with formations of Belarusian volunteers working in Ukrainian defense. “Aiding Extremism” Lawsuits Target Peaceful Interactions with Independent Media.
Cross-border repression includes surveillance, coercion and arbitrary prosecutions of exiles. Lists of terrorists and extremists were expanded in May, totaling thousands of names.
