Human rights situation in Belarus saw little improvement in 2013, Human Rights Watch concludes

Experts from the independent world-known NGO file a report on situation with human rights in Belarus.

“The state suppresses virtually all forms of dissent and uses restrictive legislation and abusive practices to impede freedoms of association and assembly”, the report says.

As to the situation with Media freedom, there are few or no positive improvements. Most media are state-controlled, and authorities harass the few independent journalists and outlets that remain. In 2013, police arrested 25 journalists as they covered public protests. Courts sentenced at least four to short-term detention following convictions on misdemeanor charges. The authorities frequently prohibit reporting on public marches and open court hearings.

The same can be said about the freedom of association and freedom of assembly. During 2013 authorities showed little tolerance for peaceful gatherings: most were prohibited and some marred by excessive police force.

Although at time of writing, no one had been executed, HRC “Viasna” adjusts the information, reporting that Belarusian courts sentenced two more people to death during 2013.

As to the political prisoners, eight people remain jailed. Those who have been released continue to face restrictions, ranging from travel limitations to inclusion in law enforcement agencies’ ‘watch lists’. Civil society groups cannot function freely.

When analyzing international actors, Human Rights Watch notes that throughout the year Belarus continued to demonstrate little interest in changing its international pariah status.

You can read the full text of the report here.