Repression Surge in Belarus: Mass Arrests and Political Crackdown
In Belarus, extensive judicial proceedings and arrests continue against individuals associated with independent information channels, notably within the so-called ‘Gahun case.’ According to the human rights organization Viasna, at least 88 Belarusians are currently detained or under arrest related to this matter.
The case revolves around the Belarusian Gahun channel, which since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine has provided exclusive updates on Russian troop movements in Belarus and frontline developments.
Experts estimate that the actual number of detainees could be significantly higher, potentially reaching thousands, as arrests persist across the country, especially in the Gomel region.
Human rights defenders believe the scale of repression is only increasing, with more individuals being listed as extremists.
Additionally, there have been reports of Belarusian prisoners being exploited as inexpensive labor, notably in a project called ‘Alternative for Germany,’ which utilized contacts within the Belarusian prison system.
In early 2025, it was revealed that Belarusian security forces gained access to the project’s database.
Its leader, Anton Motalo, publicly acknowledged the breach and announced the channel’s shutdown; shortly thereafter, the project was declared an ‘extremist organization’ by the Belarusian authorities.
Motalo was sentenced in absentia in 2024 to 20 years in prison.
Since 2020, the Belarusian government has relentlessly intensified repression against civil society—including human rights activists, independent journalists, activists, and charitable organizations.
In 2024, authorities even began punishing those who show basic human solidarity, such as helping political prisoners and their families.
According to Viasna, the arrests have impacted various segments of the population, including elderly people, former inmates, and relatives of current detainees.