United Nations experts have expressed concern over the invalidation of the passports of eight former political prisoners, saying the measure may constitute a form of transnational repression.
“The sequence of events, including politically motivated imprisonment, forced expulsion, and the subsequent invalidation of passports, points to an escalation in the practice of transnational repression,” the experts said in a statement.
The experts stressed that none of the former political prisoners had received official notification that their passports had been invalidated.
“The arbitrary invalidation of identity documents may seriously affect human rights, including the rights to freedom of movement, family life, legal recognition, and access to employment, healthcare, banking services, and other fundamental rights,” the experts said.
The statement also expresses concern over the situation of human rights defender Leanid Sudalenka. After his release from prison, he left Belarus because of persecution and was later convicted in absentia. He is now facing three additional criminal cases related to his human rights work and the public expression of his views.
“Belarus must immediately cease using its vague and overly broad counter-extremism legislation to punish the legitimate exercise of protected rights,” the experts stressed.
“The ongoing criminal prosecution of Mr. Sudalenka, his inclusion in wanted persons databases, and his inability to return safely to Belarus to reunite with his family clearly demonstrate the continuing and harmful effects of transnational repression, aimed at intimidating, punishing, and attempting to silence human rights defenders even after they have left their country,” the statement says.
The United Nations experts have requested clarification from the Belarusian government.