In 2025, at least 1,254 people were tried in Belarus in political criminal cases, the human rights center Viasna reported.
Among those convicted were 45 people of retirement age. Cases against 30 individuals were investigated under special proceedings.
Sentences of so-called “home confinement” and “open-type correctional facilities” were handed down to 555 and 42 people respectively. At least 306 people received prison sentences. In a number of cases, rights defenders do not know the exact type of punishment.
The most frequently used criminal article in political cases was participation in actions that grossly violate public order (Article 342 of the Criminal Code). At least 643 people were tried under this article.
Other frequently applied articles include:
- Article 361-4 (assisting extremist activity) — at least 274 people;
- Article 368 of the Criminal Code (insulting Alyaksandr Lukashenka) — at least 151 people;
- Article 130 of the Criminal Code (inciting other social hatred) — at least 133 people;
- Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code (creating or participating in an “extremist formation”) — at least 102 people;
- Article 361 of the Criminal Code (calls for sanctions) — at least 84 people;
- Article 369 of the Criminal Code (insulting a representative of the authorities) — at least 71 people;
- Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code (financing “extremist activity”) — at least 36 people.
In 2025, verdicts were handed down in the so-called “courtyard chats case.” Rights defenders know the names of 39 people who were sentenced to restriction or deprivation of liberty.
As of December, at least 127 confirmed defendants are known in the “Hajun case.” The total number of detainees in the case is much higher. Trials in this case are ongoing. At least 78 people have been convicted.
In August 2025, in absentia sentences were handed down to staff members of the BYSOL and BY_Help foundations. Almost all of them were tried under 17 criminal articles.
This year, repression against Wikipedia editors continued. Three people received sentences.
Two former fighters of the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment — Vasil Verameichyk and Vasil Hrachykha — were also tried. The specific charges and articles are unknown to rights defenders.
