Belarus: A Country In Chains Or Truly Free?

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Belarus has a population of 9.1 million and is led by a highly centralized and authoritarian government. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus has retained close ties with Russia, its most dominant neighbour. The country has been described as Europe's last dictatorship, with elections being openly rigged and civil liberties severely restricted.

Is Belarus a democracy?

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is a semi-presidential republic with separation of powers, governed by a president and the National Assembly. However, it has often been described as "Europe's last dictatorship" with a highly centralized and authoritarian government.

Since gaining independence in 1991, Belarus has held its first and only free election. The country has been led by President Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, who maintains a firm grip over the military and security forces. Lukashenko has been accused of rigging elections, cracking down on pro-democracy protests, and violently assaulting and arbitrarily detaining journalists, activists, and citizens who challenge his regime. The country ranks low in international measurements of freedom of the press and civil liberties.

The government includes a Council of Ministers, headed by the prime minister and five deputy prime ministers, who are appointed by the president. The members of this council need not be members of the legislature. The judiciary comprises the Supreme Court and specialized courts such as the Constitutional Court, which deals with specific issues related to constitutional and business law. The judges of national courts are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Council of the Republic.

The right to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly remains severely curtailed in Belarus. The justice system has been abused to suppress dissent, and torture and other ill-treatments are endemic with impunity. The country's international isolation has deepened, and its EU neighbours have tightened border controls.

Belarus is the only European country that continues to use capital punishment. It is also the only country in Europe and Central Asia to carry out the death penalty. The country has also been criticized for human rights violations and its persecution of non-governmental organizations, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians.

With that said, Belarus is not a democracy.

Is Belarus safe for tourists?

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, sharing borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It has a population of 9.1 million people, with Minsk being the capital and largest city.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus has been led by an authoritarian government, with Alexander Lukashenko serving as president since 1994. The country is often described as "Europe's last dictatorship", with rigged elections, restricted civil liberties, and a lack of independence in the judiciary and other institutions.

Due to the country's political situation and its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, several countries, including the United States, have issued travel advisories warning their citizens against travelling to Belarus. Here are some key considerations regarding the safety of tourists in Belarus:

• Political Situation: The Belarusian government has been accused of human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, violence against protestors, and restrictions on freedom of expression and civil liberties. Tourists should avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings as authorities have used force to disperse protestors, and bystanders may be at risk of arrest or detention.
• COVID-19 Impact: While COVID-19-related restrictions have been lifted, the pandemic may still impact travel plans and access to services. It is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and follow local guidelines.
• Border Crossings: Border crossings with neighbouring countries may be closed with little notice. Additional closures along the borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible due to the volatile security environment.
• Dual Nationals: Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge their U.S. citizenship. Dual nationals may face challenges in accessing consular assistance from the U.S. Embassy.
• Travel Documentation: Tourists must carry their passports at all times and ensure their documents are valid and easily accessible. Belarus has a visa-free option for stays of up to 30 days for travellers entering and exiting via the Minsk International Airport, but specific requirements must be met.
• Local Laws and Customs: Belarusian laws and customs may differ significantly from those in your home country. Taking photographs of anything perceived as military or security-related sites is prohibited and may result in problems with authorities. LGBTI individuals should also be aware that while same-sex relations are not illegal, discrimination and harassment are widespread.
• Crime and Scams: Belarus has a low rate of street crime, but common crimes such as mugging and pickpocketing can occur near public transportation venues and tourist areas. Tourists should also be cautious when visiting bars, clubs, and casinos, as there have been reports of drugging, robbery, and assault. Cyber-crime is prevalent, and the use of credit and debit cards is not recommended due to the risk of skimming and fraudulent charges.
• Medical Care: The quality of medical care in Belarus is below U.S. standards, and hospitals and medical facilities lack modern equipment and supplies. Ambulance services are unreliable, and the government requires all visitors to purchase local health insurance or show proof of international coverage that includes Belarus.
• Transportation: When using public transportation, be vigilant against pickpocketing and other petty crimes. Informal, unregistered taxis should be avoided. Driving in Belarus can be challenging due to varying road conditions and the need to yield to pedestrians at specific intersections.
• Natural Disasters: There is no specific information regarding natural disasters in Belarus. However, it is always advisable to stay informed about potential risks and follow local authorities' instructions in case of any emergencies.

In summary, while Belarus may present opportunities for cultural experiences and exploration, it is essential to carefully consider the risks and stay informed about the evolving situation. Tourists should follow the recommendations provided by their respective governments and register with their embassies to receive timely updates and assistance if needed.

Is Belarus safe for journalists?

Belarus is an authoritarian state in which civil liberties are severely restricted. The country is considered Europe's most dangerous place for journalists, with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) data showing that it had the highest number of journalists arrested in 2020.

Journalists in Belarus are under threat, with some in jail, others having left the profession, and others having fled abroad. In February 2023, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) was designated as an "extremist formation" by the authorities, and its chairperson, Andrey Bastunets, now faces up to ten years in prison. The authorities also identified eight other individuals who face similar prison sentences for their involvement with the BAJ.

The Belarusian government has been accused of deliberately using violence against reporters covering demonstrations, with the clear aim of gagging the media and making protests "disappear". In 2020, there were around 370 journalists arrested in the country, with eight still being held.

In addition to violence, the Belarusian government has also used COVID-19 measures to impede journalists' work. For example, Tatiana Voltskaya, a reporter for a news website affiliated with US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was charged with "spreading false information" after publishing an interview with a doctor about the lack of ventilators in hospitals.

The situation for journalists in Belarus is extremely dangerous, with reporters facing violence, arbitrary detention, interrogations, and criminal prosecution. Media organisations that still operate in the country have reinforced safety measures for their journalists and use even more secure communications protocols. Self-censorship is also prevalent, with editorial boards taking extra care when publishing pieces on sensitive issues to minimise risks.

Overall, Belarus is not safe for journalists, and those who choose to remain in the country or report on events there do so at great personal risk.

Is Belarus safe for lawyers?

Belarus is an authoritarian state with a highly centralized government led by President Alexander Lukashenko. The country has been described as "Europe's last dictatorship", and ranks low in international measurements of freedom of the press and civil liberties.

Since the 2020 presidential election, Lukashenko has cracked down on pro-democracy protests, with security forces violently assaulting and detaining journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who challenge the regime. Tens of thousands of people have been arrested, and many have fled the country.

Lawyers in Belarus are not exempt from this crackdown. Since the disputed 2020 election, the government has engaged in a widespread and violent suppression of its opposition, with peaceful protests resulting in the mass arrest of journalists, opposition figures, civic activists, and human rights defenders, including lawyers.

Many Belarusian lawyers have faced intimidation, harassment, administrative and criminal charges, and disbarment. Lawyers in Belarus are effectively prevented from carrying out their professional duties independently, and the country's judiciary and other institutions lack independence from Lukashenko's regime.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has reported that:

> In Belarus, lawyers defending politically sensitive cases or cases involving human rights violations have been under pressure, harassed and intimidated for exercising their professional activities. They face disbarment or disciplinary sanctions by the Bar Association, which lacks independence and over which the Ministry of Justice exercises broad control.

The situation for lawyers in Belarus is dire, and it does not appear that this will change anytime soon, with Lukashenko being re-elected for a sixth term in 2020.

Is Belarus safe for refugees and migrants?

Belarus is an authoritarian state in which elections are rigged, civil liberties are restricted, and the judiciary and other institutions are controlled by the government. The country is ruled by a highly centralized government led by President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994.

In recent years, Belarus has been accused of luring refugees and migrants with false promises of easy passage into the EU, only to force them across EU borders where they face pushbacks and violence. This has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with migrants suffering serious abuses, including beatings and rape, at the hands of Belarusian border guards and security agents.

Belarusian authorities have also been accused of abusing the justice system to crack down on dissent, with arbitrary arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, surveillance, censorship, and intimidation becoming commonplace. The government has targeted independent civil society organizations, NGOs, professional organizations, and ethnic and religious communities, refusing to re-register and dissolving all 12 parties opposed to the government.

The right to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly is severely restricted in Belarus. The government has passed legislation to tighten control over the media and the internet, making it easier to prosecute individuals for "anti-state" crimes and introducing criminal liability for "discrediting" the armed forces and government.

Given the human rights abuses, violence, and political repression perpetrated by the Belarusian government, it is clear that Belarus is not a safe country for refugees and migrants. The country's track record of luring and trapping migrants at its borders, as well as its lack of respect for civil liberties and freedom of expression, pose significant risks for anyone seeking refuge or migration within its borders.

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