

Belarus

Belarus is an authoritarian state in which elections are openly rigged and civil liberties are severely restricted. In 2020, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who maintains a firm grip over the military and security forces, cracked down on a massive prodemocracy protest movement that was sparked by his reelection in a fraudulent presidential poll. Since then, security forces have violently assaulted and arbitrarily detained journalists and ordinary citizens who challenge the regime. The judiciary and other institutions lack independence and provide no check on Lukashenka’s power.

Freedom in the World — Belarus Country Report
Belarus is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

Freedom on the Net — Belarus Country Report
Belarus is rated Not Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.

Nations in Transit — Belarus Country Report
Categorized as a Consolidated Authoritarian regime, Belarus receives a Democracy Percentage of 3 out of 100 in the Nations in Transit 2022 report.
News & Perspectives on Belarus
Interventions for the 2022 OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference
Testimony and remarks
September 26, 2022
Belarus: Freedom House Stands with Citizens, Civil Society on Anniversary of Fraudulent Elections, Regime Crackdown
Press release
August 9, 2022
In Ukraine and Neighboring Countries, Democracy Activists Are Prepared for a Long Struggle
Perspectives
June 9, 2022