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RFE/RL's Belarus Service

RFE/RL's Belarus Service is one of the leading providers of news and analysis to Belarusian audiences in their own language. It is a bulwark against pervasive Russian propaganda and defies the government’s virtual monopoly on domestic broadcast media.

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Also by RFE/RL's Belarus Service

November 21, 2024
Belarusian Opposition Leader Condemns Extradition Of Activist From Vietnam

The office of Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has issued a statement condemning the recent extradition from Vietnam to Belarus of Vasil Verameychyk, who fought on the Ukrainian side against invading Russian troops.
November 20, 2024
Vietnam Repatriates Belarusian Opposition Activist Who Fought For Ukraine

Vietnam has extradited a Belarusian national who fought as a volunteer in Ukraine on Kyiv's side to Minsk, Belarusian media reported on November 20.
November 20, 2024
Belarus Pardons 32 More Political Prisoners Of Estimated 1,300 Behind Bars

Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, has pardoned an additional 32 political prisoners, according to reports from the pro-government Pul Pervogo Telegram channel, although an estimated 1,300 such prisoners remain behind bars in the country.
November 19, 2024
Four Belarusian Families Face Trial As Crackdown On 2020 Protesters Continues

Four years after mass protests erupted against Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s authoritarian rule in Belarus, trials against those who took to the streets continue.
November 16, 2024
12 Ukrainians Held By Belarus On 'Extremism' Charges

At least 12 Ukrainian citizens have been detained in Belarus on "extremism" charges, according to Kyiv's former ambassador to Minsk and current ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, Ihor Kyzym.
November 12, 2024
Jailed Belarusian Opposition Figure Kalesnikava Reportedly Meets With Father

Belarusian opposition figure Maryya Kalesnikava briefly met her father, Alyaksandr Kalesnikau, for the first time since December 2022, former opposition blogger Raman Pratasevich announced on November 12 on Telegram.
November 12, 2024
Polish President Refuses Group Photo At COP29 Summit Due To 'Lukashenka's Presence'

Polish President Andrzej Duda has skipped the official group photo at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, with Polish broadcaster Polsat saying the decision was driven by the presence of the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
November 11, 2024
Belarusian Artist Says Tinfoil Hat Prank Tests 'Fascistization' In Russian Society

Belarusian artist Vladislav Bokhan has repeatedly pranked teachers in Russian schools through subversive campaigns mocking Kremlin propaganda. In his latest ruse, he made teachers pose in tinfoil hats, portrayed as a protection "against foreign enemies."
November 11, 2024
Belarusian Prankster Dupes Russian Teachers Into Wearing Tinfoil Hats To Ward Off 'Foreign Enemies'

A famous Belarusian prankster who has garnered a reputation for duping schools to highlight the “fascistization of Russian society” has tricked teachers in Russia's Voronezh region into wearing pro-Russia “protective” tinfoil hats.
November 07, 2024
31 Political Prisoners Convicted Under Belarus's 'Extremism' Law Pardoned

Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka has pardoned 31 people convicted under the country’s "extremism" law.
November 05, 2024
Belarus Issues First-Ever Prison Sentence For 'Genocide Denial'

The Minsk City Court has issued the first-ever sentence in Belarus under a law passed more than two years ago for "denying the genocide of the Belarusian people."
November 02, 2024
Freed Belarusian Activist Thanks Tsikhanouskaya For Aiding Release

Belarusian activist and journalist Andrey Hnyot -- recently freed from house arrest in Serbia -- said talks involving the offices of Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic played a vital role in securing his freedom.
November 01, 2024
Another Political Prisoner Dies In Belarus Jail, Rights Group Says

A 22-year-old Russian man who had been sentenced to 12 years in prison on espionage and "facilitating extremist activities" charges has died in a Belarusian penal colony, the human rights center Vyasna said on November 1.
October 31, 2024
Belarusian Activist Andrey Hnyot Freed By Serbia

Belarusian activist and journalist Andrey Hnyot (aka Andrew Gnyot) has been freed from house arrest in Serbia and allowed to leave for an unspecified European country, his lawyers told RFE/RL on October 31.
October 31, 2024
Hungary's Foreign Minister Critiques EU Sanctions During Minsk Visit

During a security forum in Minsk, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto sharply criticized European Union sanctions against Belarus and Russia, advocating for dialogue over isolation.
October 25, 2024
Exclusive: Belarus Halts Construction Of Military Camp Near Ukraine Border

The construction of a new military camp in the Homel region of Belarus, which some analysts warned could be used as an attack base targeting Ukraine, has ground to a halt, RFE/RL has learned.
October 23, 2024
Belarus Sets First Presidential Election Since Mass Unrest For January

Belarus lawmakers have set a presidential election for January 26, the first presidential vote since balloting in 2020 triggered mass unrest after authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka was declared the winner despite claims the vote was rigged.
October 22, 2024
Journalist Detained in Belarus Amid Political Crackdown

Belarusian journalist and political commentator Ihar Ilyash has been detained, according to Vyasna human rights group.
October 22, 2024
Russian Envoy: Moscow Will Help Lukashenka Quash 'Disorder' In 2025 Presidential Poll

Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov said Moscow will provide assistance to Minsk -- which could include Russian boots on the ground -- if it is asked to help counter attempts to “destabilize” 2025 presidential elections.
October 16, 2024
Former Belarusian Police Officer-Turned-Blogger On Trial For Treason

Former Belarusian police captain and blogger Andrey Parotnikau went on trial on October 16 in Minsk. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on charges including treason, conspiracy to seize power, and facilitating extremist activities.

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