Belarusian Repression Hits a New Low

According to a UN report, at least 33 Belarusian dissidents have been forced to undergo psychological treatment since 2020. Of the 33, eight have been released, with 25 unaccounted for, cut off from all communication with the outside world.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of victims because of extreme secrecy surrounding these prisoners.

The UN release relays that the findings were uncovered by independent human rights experts, who are concerned that the forced psychological treatment breaches international human rights law. Reportedly, the oldest person receiving this treatment is 77.

The details of this revelation are likely tied to the protests that rocked the Belarusian capital in 2020. Longstanding President Alexander Lukashenko won reelection with more than 80 percent of the vote, extending a tenure that began in 1994 (and continues; in 2025 Lukashenko won 86 percent of votes). Pro-democracy demonstrators accused authorities of election fraud. In response, the government cracked down, convicting more than 3,200 people.

Protesters were arrested under criminal codes forbidding protesting, insulting the president or other member of the government, and the promotion of "terrorist activities."

Like Russia, Belarus has also seen a tightening of civil liberties in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Lukashenko remains a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.