UN human rights experts* said today they were gravely concerned by increased reports of mass detentions, intimidation
and torture, and called on authorities to conduct a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the excessive
use of force and unlawful retaliation at peaceful protests.
"I strongly condemn large scale violations of the rights of peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, and
right to participate in public affairs by the Belarusian Government," Anaïs Marin, UN Special Rapporteur on the
situation of human rights in Belarus, said. "The rights of peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, members of civil
society, and journalists remain unprotected from disproportionately violent and apparently unlawful actions of security
forces." The experts added that "arrest or detention as punishment for the legitimate exercise of these fundamental
freedoms is arbitrary, and the prohibition of arbitrary detention is absolute."
On 15 November, at least 1,200 peaceful protesters were reportedly detained in Minsk and throughout the country. In the
capital, security forces used stun grenades and tear gas against peaceful protesters in what has been dubbed "Ploshad Peremen" (“Square of Change”).
The experts said torture and ill-treatment against participants in peaceful protests have become commonplace since the
contested 9 August presidential election. “These violations are coupled with impunity, stemming from the authorities’
unwillingness to conduct proper criminal investigations into allegations of torture, while some lawyers say they have
been denied full access to their clients,” the experts said, noting with concern that the authorities were instead quick
to open criminal investigations against peaceful protesters and human rights defenders.
Among those detained on 15-16 November, at least 25 were journalists. Twenty-one remain in detention under
administrative arrest or awaiting trial. “Journalists and other monitors play a crucial role in promoting
accountability, and their detention sends a dangerous signal of impunity,” the experts said. “And in response to their
efforts to denounce these well-documented violations, human rights defenders continue to be targeted, intimidated and
detained.
"The authorities should conduct a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation of the legality of the
actions of police officers,” the experts said, adding that "any violation of the absolute and non-derogable prohibition
of torture and other ill-treatment should be prosecuted and punished. The prohibition of torture cannot be suspended or
limited under any circumstances.”
The Special Rapporteurs called on the Belarusian authorities to ensure that all peaceful protesters, members of civil
society, as well as journalists, detained for legitimately exercising their human rights, are promptly released and
allowed to challenge the charges brought against them.
"Belarus must ensure the rule of law in its judicial system, and promptly stop repressing its own people", Anaïs Marin
said, while reiterating her 13 August and 1 September statements calling upon the authorities to fully comply with
fundamental human rights safeguards.