This article provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation in Belarus in 2024. Here are some key points:
1. **Election strategy**: The exiled opposition has shifted its focus from boycotting the election to campaigning internationally for the non-recognition of the sham election’s results.
2. **Intimidation and arrests**: Belarusian law enforcers have intensified intimidation, arresting and harassing dissidents, including those who were pardoned by Alexander Lukashenko earlier in the year.
3. **Pardons and prisoners**: Over 220 jailed Belarusians received political prisoner status, but more than 1,200 people remain behind bars, with some dying in custody. Solidarity efforts in support of prisoners and their families have been criminalized.
4. **Repression against media**: The number of jailed journalists increased to 45, making Belarus one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists. Reporters Without Borders ranked Belarus 167th out of 180 in its Press Freedom ranking.
5. **Extraditions and persecution**: Foreign countries are no safe haven for opponents of Lukashenko’s regime, with at least 3,000 Belarusian activists, politicians, and journalists added to Russia’s wanted lists.
6. **International investigation**: Lithuania has requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Lukashenko’s alleged crimes against humanity, including mass deportation and persecution.
Overall, the article paints a dire picture of human rights in Belarus, where dissent is met with repression, intimidation, and even violence. The situation continues to deteriorate, with no signs of improvement under Lukashenko’s regime.