In a sweeping crackdown under authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, hundreds of Belarusians have been arrested for showing solidarity with Ukraine, a key ally of Russia in the ongoing war. Human rights activists reported that at least 1,671 individuals were detained for their anti-war stance or expressing support for Ukraine, with 200 of them receiving prison sentences ranging from one to 25 years on charges of extremism and conspiracy against the state.
The Viasna human rights center's report also highlighted allegations of torture, inhumane conditions, fines, and forced psychiatric treatment against the detainees. Additionally, 12 Ukrainians in Belarus have been convicted on extremism charges and purported links to Ukrainian security agencies, with some receiving prison terms.
