Introduction: A Nation Under Siege
Belarus has become a place where human rights are systematically violated, and police brutality is a daily reality for those who dare to dissent. Under the authoritarian leadership of Alexander Lukashenko, the state has weaponised its security forces to silence critics, suppress protests, and instill fear. These conditions have forced countless Belarusians to flee abroad, seeking safety from violence and persecution.


Institutionalised Human Rights Violations
Human rights abuses in Belarus are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy. Citizens are denied freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Arbitrary arrests and unfair trials are routine, while torture in detention centres has been documented by international observers. These systemic violations undermine the very foundations of civic life, making opposition nearly impossible within the country.


Police Brutality as a Tool of Repression
The police and security services, including the OMON riot police and the KGB, act as enforcers of state repression. During protests following the 2020 presidential election, demonstrators were beaten with batons, subjected to stun grenades, and attacked with tear gas. Detainees reported electric shocks, beatings, and psychological torture while in custody. This brutality is not only intended to punish but also to deter others from speaking out.


Targeting of Ordinary Citizens
Repression extends beyond activists to ordinary citizens. People have been arrested for carrying the banned white-red-white opposition flag, posting critical comments online, or even wearing certain colours. This arbitrary enforcement creates a climate of fear where anyone can be a target, forcing families to consider exile as the only safe option.


Silencing of Media and Witnesses
Independent journalists who document police brutality face harassment, imprisonment, or exile. By silencing those who report on abuses, the government ensures impunity for its security forces. This lack of accountability deepens mistrust in state institutions and accelerates the decision of many Belarusians to flee.


Psychological Impact of Violence
The constant threat of violence takes a heavy psychological toll. Survivors of police brutality report trauma, anxiety, and fear of leaving their homes. Families live in constant dread of night-time raids or sudden arrests. For many, migration becomes a way to escape not only physical danger but also the mental strain of living under constant repression.


Exodus of Belarusians
The cumulative effect of human rights violations and police brutality has driven thousands of Belarusians to flee. Neighbouring countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine (prior to the war) have become primary destinations. In exile, Belarusians continue to organise protests, advocate for democracy, and support one another, forming resilient diaspora communities.


International Condemnation
The international community has repeatedly condemned Belarus for its human rights abuses. The United Nations, European Union, and human rights organisations have documented evidence of torture and arbitrary detention. Sanctions have been imposed on officials responsible for abuses, but the regime persists, shielded by its alliance with Russia.


Consequences for Belarus
The repression has hollowed out Belarusian society, depriving it of activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who have sought safety abroad. Inside the country, fear dominates public life, while outside, the diaspora continues the struggle for democracy. This dynamic leaves Belarus isolated, weakened, and dependent on authoritarian allies.


Pathways Forward
To support Belarusians, the international community must:

- Ensure asylum and protection for victims of repression.
- Support documentation of human rights abuses for future accountability.
- Provide funding for independent media and NGOs in exile.
- Maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Lukashenko’s regime.

These steps are essential to sustaining hope for change and protecting those at risk.


Conclusion: Fleeing Brutality, Seeking Freedom
For many Belarusians, fleeing abroad is the only way to escape human rights violations and police brutality. Exile offers safety but also represents the heavy cost of living under an authoritarian regime. Until accountability is achieved and democracy restored, Belarusians will continue to leave their homeland, driven by the universal desire for freedom and dignity.