

Belarus
Belarus is an authoritarian state in which elections are openly orchestrated and civil liberties are tightly restricted. After permitting limited displays of dissent as part of a drive to pursue better relations with the European Union (EU) and the United States, the government has more recently sought to increase control of the public sphere through restrictions on journalists, online media, and demonstrations. In an apparent attempt to mute criticism of the country’s rights record, penalties for dissent have increasingly taken the form of fines, or have been handed down after delays in order to avoid media coverage.

Freedom in the World — Belarus Country Report
Belarus is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2022, 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
NEW REPORT: Regional Autocrats Exploiting Instability, Expanding Power from Central Europe to Central Asia
Press release
April 20, 2022
Civil society to U.S. government: Do not disrupt internet access in Russia or Belarus
Joint statement
March 10, 2022
NEW REPORT: Global Battle over Internet Regulation Has Major Implications for Human Rights
Press release
September 21, 2021
Belarus: Freedom House Condemns Sweeping Attack on Human Rights Defenders, Civil Society Groups
Press release
July 16, 2021
Belarus: Freedom House Condemns Hijacking of Commercial Plane to Arrest Journalist
Press release
May 24, 2021