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Belarus state intimidation continues abroad, UN experts find
Belarus state intimidation continues abroad, UN experts find
DPATue, September 15, 2026 at 12:18 PM UTC2 min readAdd Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.- Belarus is accused of terrorizing its citizens abroad, including forcing those with expired passports to renew them in their home country where they may face arrest.
- Released opposition figures from Belarus are still being targeted, with some being deported without documents while their families face surveillance and persecution.
- UN experts have found that Belarus has a fixed number of prison inmates, with new arrests made as soon as others are released, highlighting ongoing human rights violations in the country.
Belarus is increasingly terrorizing its citizens abroad, including by forcing people with expired passports to renew their documents in their home country where many face arrest, according to a group of independent UN experts.
The three-person expert panel appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2024 presented its report on the situation in Belarus to the council on Tuesday.
Released opposition figures also continue to be targeted, said Monika Płatek, a member of the expert group. Some were deported abroad without documents, while their families back home were subjected to surveillance and persecution.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Releases are important for those who regain their freedom, but they cannot be mistaken for an end to repression," Płatek said, according to a press statement.
The experts also found that there appeared to be a fixed number of prison inmates. As soon as one group was released, citizens were arbitrarily picked up and arrested on the streets, Płatek said.
"The international community must not look away," said Susan Bazilli, another member of the expert group. "Those responsible for serious human rights violations must know that impunity is not a permanent shield, and victims must know that their rights have not been forgotten."
The group's report is based on interviews conducted with people released from detention and human rights organizations.
According to the group's chair, Karinna Moskalenko, the government in Belarus refuses all cooperation and has ignored every request made to it.
FILE PHOTO - A woman takes part in a demonstration at the Potsdamer Platz against the violation of human rights in Belarus. (is associated with: «Belarus state intimidation continues abroad, UN experts find») Paul Zinken/dpa