Trump’s Belarus prisoner deal stalls, 870 still jailed
#Belarus #PoliticalPrisonersTrump's Belarus prisoner deal stalls as nearly 870 remain jailed, with 170 vulnerable. Talks freed 400+ but delays worry opposition. Lukashenko seeks more concessions, while U.S. envoy vows to continue efforts. read more
Ukraine Warns Belarus of 500 Potential Targets
#UkraineWar #BelarusUkraine warns Belarus it has a list of 500 potential targets if Lukashenko joins Russia's war, amid fears of a new northern front. Zelensky met Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya to discuss Russian pressure on Minsk. read more
Belarus warned not to join Russias war in Ukraine
#Belarus #UkraineWarBelarusian exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kyiv after Russia's major missile attack, as France warned Belarus against joining Russia's Ukraine war. Macron urged Lukashenko to avoid escalation, while Ukraine fears a new front from Belarus. read more
Imprisoned Belarusian journalist gravely ill, family begs release
#Belarus #JournalistHealthImprisoned Belarusian journalist Kiryl Pazniak, 49, suffers from pneumonia and COVID-19 in grave condition. Relatives and advocates urge his release, citing inadequate medical care. He faces extremism charges, with 21 journalists jailed in Belarus. read more
Belarus and Russia launch joint nuclear drills
#Belarus #NuclearDrillsBelarus and Russia launched joint drills practicing nuclear weapons use, involving missile units and warplanes. Moscow deployed tactical nukes in Belarus, which borders NATO nations. Opposition criticizes the exercises, warning Belarus is now a target. read more
Belarus frees journalist in major prisoner swap
#Belarus #PrisonerSwapBelarus freed journalist Andrzej Poczobut in a prisoner swap with Poland, releasing 10 prisoners total. The move signals authoritarian leader Lukashenko seeking improved relations with the West, amid ongoing U.S.-negotiated deals. read more
North Korea, Belarus Sign Strategic Pact Amid Russia Ties
#NorthKorea #BelarusNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko signed a new cooperation treaty in Pyongyang. The visit deepens North Korea's alignment with Belarus and Russia amid the Ukraine war, signaling a new stage in their relations. read more
Belarus Jails Journalist for Nine Years in Treason Case
#Belarus #PressFreedomBelarusian journalist Pavel Dabravolski was convicted of treason in a closed trial and sentenced to nine years in prison. Activists decry this as part of an escalating government crackdown on press freedom and dissent within the country. read more
Nobel laureates urge Trump to aid release of Belarus prisoners
#Belarus #HumanRightsDozens of Nobel laureates, including Svetlana Alexievich, urge President Donald Trump to help release 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus. The letter calls for urgent action as the crackdown on dissidents worsens following rigged elections. read more
U.S. Aid Freeze Strains Rights Groups in Russia and Belarus
#Russia #BelarusUS aid cutoff causes new challenges for rights groups and independent media in Russia and Belarus. Organizations face funding losses impacting operations and future plans. An activist noted the impact on crucial work and the potential strengthening of state propaganda due to the funding freeze. read more
Belarus Sentences Catholic Priest to 11 Years on Treason Charges
#Belarus #PoliticalCrackdownA Catholic priest in Belarus has been sentenced to 11 years on charges of high treason for criticizing the government, marking the first politically-driven case against Catholic clergy since Belarus gained independence. The crackdown on dissent intensifies ahead of the upcoming presidential election. read more
Belarusian authorities arrest journalists in crackdown on dissent and speech
#Belarus #PressFreedomBelarusian authorities arrested seven journalists from an independent regional news outlet, including the founder, for allegedly supporting extremist activities, in the latest move by President Alexander Lukashenko to crackdown on dissent ahead of January's elections. read more
Maria Kolesnikova Emerges After Prison, Meets Father Amid Concern
#Belarus #MariaKolesnikovaBelarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova reappears after 20 months without contact, meeting her father at a prison hospital. She had protests against President Lukashenko in 2020, faced health issues in prison, and is one of many political prisoners in Belarus. read more
Belarusian dissident filmmaker Andrei Hniot freed after Serbian detention
#Belarus #HumanRightsBelarusian film director and dissident, Andrei Hniot, released from a year-long detention in Serbia, where he faced extradition to Belarus. Known for opposing President Lukashenko, Hniot has now moved to Germany, with support from German officials and Belarusian opposition figures. read more
Belarusian-American's Prison Sentence Extended to 13 1/2 Years
#Belarus #HumanRightsCrackdownA Belarusian-American lawyer has his prison sentence extended to 13 1/2 years in Belarus amid a crackdown on dissent, including false accusations and denial of legal representation. The U.S. Embassy condemns the baseless claims and advocates for his welfare. read more
Belarusian Journalists Jailed in Closed-Door Trial Amid Crackdown
#Belarus #HumanRightsViolationsTwo Belarusian journalists, working for outlets declared extremist by the authoritarian government, have been sentenced to prison terms in a closed-door trial, as reported by a human rights group. This follows a crackdown on dissent and independent journalism in Belarus. read more
#Belarus #PoliticalPrisoners
Dozens of Nobel laureates, including Svetlana Alexievich, called for Belarusian President Lukashenko to release 1,400 political prisoners, urging compassion and amnesty. The plea comes after severe crackdowns on opposition figures following rigged elections in 2020. read more
#Belarus #PoliticalPrisoners
Belarusian authorities are withholding medicine from imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate, worsening his health, says his wife. Ales Bialiatski suffers chronic illnesses, with his family trying to provide medication, but authorities refuse. Political prisoners in Belarus endure harsh conditions, lack medical care. read more
#Belarus #PoliticalPrisoners
Belarusian authorities are demanding political prisoners publicly repent to be released, dismissed by activists as unacceptable. President Lukashenko pledged to free some, leading to the release of 18 so far. The US and EU support but urge the release of all 2020 protesters. read more
#Putin #Belarus
Vladimir Putin visits Belarus for two days, highlighting the strong alliance between the two countries. The visit includes discussions on security and economic issues, showing Belarus's loyalty to Russia. Deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus raises concerns about regional stability. read more
#Belarus #RussiaNuclearDrills
Belarus launches nuclear drills following Russia's announcement, aimed at Ukraine. The drills involve missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, highlighting tensions with the West over Ukraine. read more