RFE/RL's Belarus Service

With Ukraine Bracing For Potential Russian Invasion, Belarus Emerges As Key Player

As Russia masses an estimated 100,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, it has also begun moving forces and equipment into neighboring Belarus for what Moscow said will be military exercises. One observer describes the move as a show of force by Russia, and of allegiance by Belarus.

Gunfight In Minsk: Doubts Raised About Dramatic Video As Two Killed In KGB Raid

Dramatic video released by the Belarusian authorities appears to show a gunfight during a KGB raid in which two people were reportedly killed. Opposition figures condemned the use of violence by the KGB and raised doubts about the authenticity of the video.

'We Have Won': Why The Family Of A Young Belarusian Prisoner Still Holds Out Hope

Mikita Litvinenka is one of thousands of Belarusians who have been imprisoned for taking part in protests over the August 9, 2020, election, widely seen in the country -- and in the West -- as rigged. In July, he was sentenced to four years in prison.

Belarus Sent Hit Squads To Kill Lukashenka Critics, Says Man Who Found Activist's Body In Kyiv

The man who found the body of Belarusian activist Vital Shyshou in a park near his home in Kyiv says that he was briefed by Ukrainian intelligence officials that hit squads had been sent to Ukraine to "liquidate" activists in exile.

RFE/RL Correspondents In Belarus Released From Jail, 10 Days After Arrest

Two correspondents of RFE/RL's Belarus Service have been released from jail, 10 days after their arrests as part of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka's clampdown on the country's independent media and civil society.

When Wearing The Wrong Socks Or Dancing Is A Crime In Belarus

Tens of thousands of people have been detained in Belarus in a brutal government crackdown after a disputed election in August 2020 extended the decades-long rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenka. For such "crimes" as wearing the wrong socks or dancing in the streets, people have been fined or even jailed.

RFE/RL Raided As Belarusian Police Search Offices And Homes Of Journalists

Security forces have raided the offices and homes of several independent journalists across Belarus, including the premises of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Minsk.

Can't Leave, Can't Stay: The Belarusians In Limbo At Sweden's Minsk Embassy

A father and son are holed up in the Swedish Embassy in Minsk, where they took refuge in September 2020 from Belarusian security forces after joining pro-democracy protests. The Swedish authorities say the two men cannot claim political asylum at the embassy.

Belarus's Lukashenka Doubles Down On Fear To Silence Pro-Democracy Opponents

Opponents of Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka can face arrest simply for displaying the red-and-white colors of the opposition, even on socks. The longtime authoritarian leader is doubling down on fear to silence his opponents. 

Former Belarusian Official Vouches For Authenticity Of Tape Alleging Lukashenka Hit Squad In Germany

A former senior Belarusian Interior Ministry official has vouched that a 2012 audio recording that allegedly spells out plans to kill several opponents of leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka in Germany is authentic.

Over 1,000 People Detained In Latest Crackdown On Protests In Belarus

More than 1,000 anti-government demonstrators were detained across Belarus on the 13th consecutive Sunday of protests calling for the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka and a new presidential election following a disputed vote three months ago.

Pensioner Power Boosts Protests In Belarus

Marches by senior citizens have become a regular feature on the streets of Minsk. They are boosting anti-government protests that have occurred daily since the August 9 Belarusian presidential election, which was widely seen as rigged. As one participant put it: "If they arrest me, I'll be proud."

App Helps Belarusians Boycott Lukashenka-Linked Firms

In Belarus, buying a bottle of mineral water is now political. A new app allows Belarusians to boycott companies linked to Alyaksandr Lukashenka by scanning bar codes on everyday products.

'A Shock,' 'A Disgrace': Belarusians Respond To Alyaksandr Lukashenka's Secret Presidential Inauguration

Belarusians interviewed in Minsk by RFE/RL's Belarusian Service after Alyaksandr Lukashenka's surprise September 23 presidential inauguration largely scoffed at the unannounced, closed-door ceremony. The event suggests that Lukashenka, in power since 1994, is afraid of his own people, most said.

Man Alleges Rape By Police In Belarus

A man has given Current Time a harrowing account of being raped by police in Belarus after being detained in August. He has provided a medical report backing up his story. We have disguised his voice to protect his identity.

How Lukashenka Has Wrestled For Control In The Belarusian City Of Hrodna

The western city of Hrodna has been a microcosm of the political crisis that has engulfed Belarus after protests erupted over a presidential election widely seen as rigged.

How Lukashenka Demeans And Insults His Opponents In Belarus

As his security forces have beaten protesters and detained thousands, authoritarian Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has repeatedly appeared on TV hurling insults at those who brave brutal repression to call for him to go.

Massive March In Belarus Challenges Lukashenka

People marched through the center of the Belarusian capital, Minsk, on August 23, two weeks after the country's disputed presidential election. An estimated 100,000 joined the protest against result of the vote, in which the incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed victory despite irregularities.

Belarusian Opposition Candidate 'Forced' To Leave Country

Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has left her country, apparently under duress, amid a wave of protests against the alleged falsification of the country's recent presidential election. Western governments have criticized both the election and a crackdown by security forces.

Belarus Protester Who Was Believed Dead: Complaining About Beating 'Just Pointless'