How Free Is Belarus? Ranking Explored

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 often been described as Europe's last dictatorship and its president, Alexander Lukashenko, as Europe's last dictator. The country ranks low in international measurements of freedom of the press and civil liberties. It ranks 153rd out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Belarus is labelled as not free by Freedom House, as repressed in the Index of Economic Freedom, and has a Democracy Index rating that is the lowest in Europe.

Belarus ranks 153rd out of 167 countries in the 2022 Press Freedom Index

Under Lukashenko's rule, Belarus has been labelled as "Europe's last dictatorship" and has consistently ranked low in terms of freedom of the press and respect for human rights. The country's 2020 presidential election, in which Lukashenko sought a sixth term, was widely condemned as rigged, triggering mass protests and leading to international sanctions. Lukashenko's government has been criticized for its suppression of dissent, with security forces violently assaulting and arbitrarily detaining journalists, activists, and citizens who challenge the regime.

The Belarusian government exerts tight control over the media, with the 2008 media law securing a state monopoly over information. Libel is criminalized, and journalists face fines, intimidation, and prosecution for their work. The government has also blocked access to numerous news and media websites, including the popular portal Tut.by. In addition, academic freedom is restricted, with academic personnel facing harassment and dismissal if they deviate from the state-sanctioned curriculum or are perceived as disloyal.

The country's judicial system lacks independence, providing no check on Lukashenko's power. Elections are openly rigged, and civil liberties are severely restricted. The right to a fair trial is often disregarded, and lawyers defending political prisoners are themselves disbarred or arrested. Belarus is the only European country that still practices capital punishment.

The restrictions on freedom in Belarus extend beyond the press and civil liberties. The country ranks 143rd out of 167 in the Personal Freedom category of the Legatum Prosperity Index. The government imposes strict controls on freedom of assembly, and human rights organizations face significant obstacles and risks in their operations. The right to free private discussion is limited due to widespread surveillance by state security agencies.

The lack of freedom in Belarus has had a significant impact on its people. Tens of thousands of citizens have been arrested, and hundreds of thousands have participated in pro-democracy protests. Many Belarusians have emigrated since the crackdown on dissent began, including a large number of independent media and civil society workers. The country has also experienced a brain drain, with educated youth and professionals seeking opportunities elsewhere due to limited freedom and economic stagnation.

In summary, Belarus's ranking of 153rd out of 167 countries in the 2022 Press Freedom Index reflects the country's authoritarian nature, with severe restrictions on civil liberties, a lack of independent media, and widespread suppression of dissent. These factors have contributed to a climate of fear and repression, leading to a decline in various aspects of freedom in the country.

Belarus is labelled as not free by Freedom House

Belarus is labelled as "not free" by Freedom House, a US-based non-governmental organisation that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights. This characterisation is due to the country's restrictive political and civil liberties, with Freedom House describing Belarus as an authoritarian state where elections are "openly rigged" and civil liberties are "severely restricted".

The country's president, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has been accused of maintaining a firm grip on the military and security forces, which have been used to violently suppress dissent and opposition. Since his reelection in a fraudulent 2020 presidential poll, security forces have violently assaulted and arbitrarily detained journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who challenge the regime. Lukashenka's government has also targeted independent media, raiding offices and homes of journalists and human rights activists, blocking access to news websites, and forcing independent organisations to shut down.

The judiciary and other state institutions in Belarus lack independence and provide no check on Lukashenka's power. The country's legal framework for elections fails to meet democratic standards, and electoral commission members are politically aligned with the government, further entrenching authoritarian rule.

In addition to political repression, Belarus also faces criticism for human rights violations, including the persecution of non-governmental organisations, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians. The country is the only European nation that continues to use capital punishment, and it has been accused of using forced labour and restricting the freedom of movement of its citizens.

The lack of freedom in Belarus has drawn international condemnation, with neighbouring countries such as Poland and Lithuania refusing to recognise Lukashenka as the legitimate president. The European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States have imposed sanctions on Belarus due to rigged elections, political oppression, and the country's role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Belarus's Democracy Index rating is the lowest in Europe, and it is ranked 153rd out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders for 2022.

Belarus is ranked 78th in the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023

Belarus's ranking in the Legatum Prosperity Index is consistent with its ranking in other freedom indices. For example, in the 2022 Freedom in the World Country Report by Freedom House, Belarus is described as an authoritarian state with severely restricted civil liberties. Similarly, in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, Belarus is ranked 66 out of 163 countries, indicating a significant issue with corruption in the country. In terms of press freedom, Reporters Without Borders ranked Belarus 153rd out of 167 countries in their Worldwide Press Freedom Index.

Belarus is the only European country that continues to use capital punishment

Belarus is an authoritarian state with restricted civil liberties. The country is ranked 153 out of 167 countries on the Worldwide Press Freedom Index and 150 out of 167 on The Economist Democracy Index 2007. Security forces have violently assaulted and arbitrarily detained journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who challenge the regime.

The death penalty has been part of Belarus's legal system since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is prescribed for "grave crimes", including crimes against the state and individuals. While the number of offences eligible for the death penalty has been reduced over the years, "terrorism" was added to the list of capital offences in 1997. In 2023, President Alexander Lukashenko signed a bill into law that allows the use of the death penalty for officials and military servicemen convicted of high treason.

In 2022, Belarusian lawmakers approved a bill that punishes high treason among officials and military personnel with the death penalty. This bill also includes prosecution for "spreading false information discrediting the Armed Forces of Belarus". The exact number of people executed in Belarus is not known, as the government has not released data since 2006. However, human rights organisations have reported that at least one execution was carried out in the country in 2022.

Belarus is considered an autocracy where power is concentrated in the hands of the president

Lukashenko's rule has been characterised by a consolidation of power in the executive branch of government, with the president having the authority to dismiss the legislature and appoint key figures in the judiciary and other institutions. This has resulted in a lack of independence in these bodies, providing no check on the president's power.

The country's electoral regime has been described as defective, with international monitors deeming Belarusian elections as neither free nor fair, except for Lukashenko's initial win in 1994. The government has been accused of rigging elections, violently suppressing protests, and arbitrarily detaining journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who challenge the regime.

In addition to political repression, Lukashenko's government has also restricted freedom of expression and association. The government exercises control over the media, with independent journalists facing surveillance, intimidation, and criminal prosecution for their work. Human rights organisations and non-governmental organisations have been targeted, with their offices raided and staff detained.

The economic policies implemented by Lukashenko have also contributed to the concentration of power in the hands of the president. The state controls a significant portion of the economy, and the president has the power to make key economic decisions without legislative oversight. This has led to concerns about corruption and a lack of transparency in the country.

The international community has largely condemned Lukashenko's rule, with Western governments imposing sanctions on him and other Belarusian officials. However, the country has maintained close ties with Russia, despite some disagreements. Lukashenko's dependence on Russia has increased due to isolation from parts of the West.

Overall, Belarus under Lukashenko is considered an autocracy, with power concentrated in the hands of the president and a lack of meaningful political opposition or civil liberties.

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