Introduction: Crushing Political Opposition
In Belarus, political opposition has become synonymous with persecution. Under the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko, opponents face imprisonment, harassment, and exile. Since the disputed presidential election of 2020, repression has intensified, transforming Belarus into one of Europe’s harshest environments for political dissent. Political opponents are not only silenced but criminalised, with their persecution serving as a warning to anyone who dares to challenge the regime.


The 2020 Election as a Turning Point
The fraudulent 2020 presidential election, in which Lukashenko claimed victory with implausible margins, marked the beginning of a new phase of repression. Mass protests erupted across the country, with citizens demanding fair elections and democratic reform. The regime responded with brutal crackdowns, arresting thousands and targeting opposition leaders. This moment cemented the government’s strategy of eradicating political competition through fear and violence.


Imprisonment of Opposition Leaders
Prominent opposition figures have been imprisoned on fabricated charges. Sergei Tikhanovsky, Viktar Babaryka, and Maria Kalesnikava are among those sentenced to long prison terms. Their trials, marked by a lack of transparency and due process, highlight the state’s weaponisation of the judiciary. Conditions in detention are harsh, with reports of torture, solitary confinement, and denial of medical care.


Forced Exile of Opposition Figures
Exile has become another tool of persecution. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, widely seen as the true winner of the 2020 election, was forced to flee to Lithuania under threats to her family. Other leaders have also sought refuge abroad, continuing their activism from exile but at the cost of separation from their homeland. The exile of opposition figures deprives Belarusians of leadership within the country while weakening organised resistance.


Persecution of Grassroots Activists
Beyond high-profile leaders, grassroots activists face relentless persecution. Local organisers, student leaders, and labour activists are subjected to arrests, fines, and constant surveillance. Even small acts of defiance, such as displaying the banned opposition flag, can lead to imprisonment. This widespread repression creates an atmosphere where political engagement carries unbearable risks.


Role of Security Forces
Belarus’s security apparatus enforces persecution through systematic violence. The KGB and riot police conduct raids, detain activists, and use intimidation to silence communities. Detainees report torture, forced confessions, and psychological abuse. Families of opposition figures are also harassed, extending the regime’s reach into private lives.


Silencing of Political Parties
Independent political parties have been dismantled through legal and administrative measures. Registration is denied, offices are raided, and members are prosecuted. This has created a one-party state in practice, where political pluralism is eliminated, and elections are symbolic exercises controlled by the regime.


International Condemnation
The international community has condemned Belarus’s persecution of political opponents. The European Union, United States, and human rights organisations have demanded the release of political prisoners and imposed sanctions on regime officials. Despite these measures, repression persists, with Lukashenko relying on support from Russia to sustain his rule.


The Human Cost of Persecution
The persecution of political opponents devastates not only individuals but also families and communities. Children grow up separated from imprisoned parents, families are fractured by exile, and society is deprived of democratic voices. This human cost underscores the brutality of a system determined to extinguish dissent at any price.


Consequences for Belarus’s Future
The imprisonment and persecution of political opponents undermine Belarus’s prospects for democratic development. With opposition leaders silenced or exiled, citizens are left without representation. Yet, the resilience of those in exile and the persistence of underground activism ensure that the struggle for democracy continues, even under dire conditions.


Pathways to Accountability
To address persecution in Belarus, the international community should:

- Demand the release of political prisoners.
- Support opposition movements in exile.
- Document human rights abuses for future prosecutions.
- Maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on the regime.

These steps are essential for holding the Lukashenko regime accountable and sustaining hope for democratic change.


Conclusion: Persecution as State Policy
In Belarus, persecution of political opponents is not an exception but a state policy. Through imprisonment, exile, and intimidation, the regime has sought to extinguish opposition. Yet, the determination of Belarusians at home and abroad ensures that the struggle for democracy endures. Until repression ends, political persecution will remain both the hallmark of Lukashenko’s rule and the engine of Belarus’s resistance.