Unusual Laws in Belarus
Belarus is known for having some rather interesting laws that may seem unconventional or even bizarre. Let’s take a look at two of these unusual laws: insulting the president and the restrictions on freedom of the press.
Insulting the President
In Belarus, insulting the president is no laughing matter. In fact, it is punishable by up to five years in prison. This law reflects the strict regulations on freedom of speech and expression in the country. Even criticizing Belarus abroad can lead to criminal charges, with a potential penalty of up to two years in prison (Wikipedia).
While it’s important to show respect for political leaders, the severity of the punishment for insulting the president has raised eyebrows both within and outside the country. This law is just one example of the restrictions on freedom of speech and the limited tolerance for dissent in Belarus.
Freedom of the Press
The freedom of the press in Belarus is heavily restricted, with the state exercising significant control over media outlets. State-owned media is subordinated to the president, and independent media faces harassment and censorship. Journalists who report on unauthorized demonstrations or work with unregistered media outlets are often targeted, harassed, and detained (Wikipedia).
Belarus ranks low in press freedom indices, reflecting the challenges faced by journalists in the country. In the 2010 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Belarus was ranked 154th out of 178 countries. Unfortunately, the situation has further deteriorated, with Belarus dropping to the 158th place in the Press Freedom Index in 2021 due to the regime’s crackdown on independent media.
The Ministry of Information of Belarus, established in 2001, serves as the media regulator in the country. Licensing and registration procedures are opaque and politicized, enabling authorities to deny accreditation and shut down media outlets that are deemed to “threaten the state’s interests”.
The unusual laws surrounding insulting the president and the restrictions on freedom of the press in Belarus highlight the challenges faced by individuals and media outlets in expressing dissenting opinions and providing objective reporting.
Human Rights Issues
Belarus has faced significant criticism regarding its human rights record, particularly in relation to the treatment of political prisoners and the use of capital punishment. These issues have drawn international attention and condemnation.
Treatment of Political Prisoners
During the 2020 Belarusian presidential election and subsequent protests, there was a sharp increase in the number of political prisoners in the country. As of February 16, 2022, the Viasna Human Rights Centre recognized 1062 political prisoners in Belarus (Wikipedia). The treatment of these prisoners has been a cause for concern, with reports of arbitrary arrests, beatings, and even torture. The United States Department of State has called for the immediate release of protesters and strongly condemned the use of force against demonstrators.
The Belarusian judicial system has been widely criticized for lacking independence and transparency. The conviction rate in criminal cases is exceptionally high, with 99.7% resulting in conviction. The judiciary is perceived as being influenced by the executive branch, and trial outcomes are often predetermined. Judges rely on executive-branch officials for housing, and the criminal justice system is sometimes used as a tool to suppress human rights defenders.
Capital Punishment
Belarus is the only European country that continues to practice capital punishment. In 2011, Belarus carried out executions, making it one of the two countries in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to do so that year. The use of capital punishment in Belarus has been a subject of international concern and condemnation. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have consistently called for its abolition.
The existence of capital punishment raises significant human rights issues, including the right to life and the prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The international community continues to advocate for Belarus to abolish the death penalty and join the global trend toward its elimination.
While Belarus has made progress in some areas of human rights, such as gender equality and access to education, the treatment of political prisoners and the use of capital punishment remain contentious issues. It is important for Belarus to address these concerns and work towards a more inclusive and rights-respecting society.
Bizarre Repressions
Belarus is known for having some truly peculiar laws and instances of repressions. Let’s take a look at two particularly strange examples: dialogue with aliens and unusual arrests and fines.
Dialogue with Aliens
In Belarus, a group of residents in Vitebsk attempted to register a public association called the “Metagalactic Centre Vitebsk” in 2016. The purpose of this association was to facilitate communication between Vitebsk residents and extraterrestrial beings. While the idea of intergalactic communication may seem far-fetched to some, the enthusiasts behind this initiative believed that an official registration was necessary.
Unfortunately, the Vitebsk officials did not share the same enthusiasm for intergalactic dialogue. The registration for the association was denied, and the idea of communicating with aliens through an official organization faced resistance. The reasons behind the denial remain unclear.
Unusual Arrests and Fines
Belarus has seen its fair share of unusual arrests and fines. One example involves a gathering of residents in Vitebsk who met in a private apartment in March 2018 to have tea and discuss the prospects of intergalactic communication. To their surprise, five plain-clothed policemen burst into the apartment and detained everyone present. The residents were accused of violating the procedure for organizing mass events, specifically for organizing an unauthorized event.
Subsequently, on April 19, 2018, the eight individuals were charged with administrative offenses for what was deemed “unauthorized tea drinking at home.” The owner of the apartment received a fine of 250 euros, while the others received warnings.
These examples highlight the absurdity of certain repressions in Belarus. In addition to the instances mentioned above, Belarusians have faced fines, detentions, and imprisonments for various unconventional reasons, such as feeding pigeons, drawing on walls in one’s own apartment, and demanding that studying be conducted in an official/state language. The enforcement of these seemingly trivial matters is a bizarre aspect of Belarusian legislation.
While these cases may appear unusual and comical, it is important to recognize that they reflect a broader context of human rights issues and restrictions on individual freedoms in Belarus. The peculiar repressions shed light on the need for a more open and inclusive legal system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Cultural Rights Violations
Belarus has faced significant challenges in the realm of cultural rights, with reports of censorship and forced liquidation of cultural organizations. These violations have had a detrimental impact on artistic expression and freedom of creativity within the country.
Censorship in the Cultural Sector
In recent years, Belarus has seen an increase in recorded cases of censorship, as well as violations of freedom of information and expression. The number of cases involving “extremist materials” and limitations on access to independent media has risen significantly.
The Belarusian government has taken measures to control and limit artistic and cultural activities. This has included the cancellation of concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, and other events, as well as pressure on creative unions. Such actions infringe upon the right to artistic expression and hinder the diversity of cultural offerings within the country.
Forced Liquidation of Cultural Organizations
The Belarusian government has also pursued the forced liquidation of cultural organizations. Between 2020 and 2023, at least 228 cultural or culture-related organizations were forcibly dissolved due to government pressure. Additionally, 110 organizations in the cultural sector chose to self-liquidate during this period (Source).
These actions have had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Belarus, leading to a reduction in the availability of diverse cultural offerings and limiting opportunities for artists and cultural workers to showcase their talents. The elimination of independent cultural activities and the tightening of control over the state-owned cultural sector have further stifled artistic expression and creativity within the country (Source).
The cultural rights violations in Belarus highlight the challenges faced by artists and cultural workers in expressing themselves freely and contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of the country. Efforts to address these issues and protect cultural rights are essential for fostering an environment that values artistic expression and diversity.
