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Geneva — August 16, 2025
A group of United Nations human rights experts has called on Belarus to immediately cease the reported ill-treatment of prisoners convicted under the country’s expansive terrorism and extremism legislation. The appeal, issued Friday, includes a demand for a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of abuse within the Belarusian penal system.
Allegations of Inhumane Treatment
According to reports received by the UN, three inmates—two women and one man—have been subjected to conditions that violate international human rights standards. These include:
- Denial of adequate medical care
- Inhumane and degrading treatment
- Exposure to health risks with potentially irreversible consequences
Despite repeated calls for action, Belarusian authorities have reportedly failed to address these concerns.
Concerns Over Freedom of Expression
UN experts expressed particular alarm over the case of one female detainee, whose imprisonment may be linked to her publications on socio-political issues in Belarus. If confirmed, this would constitute a violation of her right to freedom of expression under international law.
Misuse of Counter-Terrorism Laws
The experts criticized Belarus’s counter-terrorism and anti-extremism framework, noting that it is being used to suppress civil and political rights. Individuals exercising peaceful dissent are allegedly being prosecuted under these laws, added to public lists of “terrorists and extremists,” and denied fair legal recourse.
Under Article 63 of the Belarusian Criminal Code, terrorism is defined broadly as any act targeting government or public figures with the intent to disrupt public order or influence state decisions. Convictions under this statute can result in prison sentences ranging from 8 to 15 years, or even the death penalty.
Case of Marfa Rabkova
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention highlighted the case of Marfa Rabkova, a human rights defender affiliated with the Human Rights Centre Viasna. Rabkova was charged under Article 293(3) for allegedly training individuals to participate in riots or financing such activities. Her treatment in custody has raised serious concerns:
- Detained for 72 hours without legal counsel
- Pre-trial detention extended seven times, totaling over two years and five months
- Denied provisional release despite family health emergencies
- Barred from family visits and excluded from appeal hearings
Call for Legal Reform
The UN experts urged Belarus to align its counter-terrorism and extremism laws with international human rights obligations, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). They emphasized the need for fair trial guarantees, access to legal representation, and humane treatment of detainees.
The statement adds to growing international pressure on Belarus to reform its judicial and penal systems and to uphold the rights of individuals accused under politically sensitive charges.
For full details, you can refer to the original Jurist article by Sandar Linn and the OHCHR press release. Let me know if you’d like this adapted for a policy brief or advocacy campaign.
Excerpts from jurist.org article by Sandar Linn | Newcastle Law School, GB
