Alena Masliukova, a human rights defender from Viasna, was sentenced to three years in prison on October 15, 2024, after a closed hearing. This verdict illustrates the Belarusian regime’s ongoing crackdown on activism, undermining basic legal rights. Viasna demands the overturning of her verdict and an end to the arbitrary prosecution of human rights defenders.
On October 15, 2024, the Homieĺ Regional Court delivered a verdict in absentia against Alena Masliukova, a defender of human rights from Viasna. She was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly facilitating extremist activities, which has raised significant concerns regarding the arbitrary prosecution of activists in Belarus. The members of Human Rights Center Viasna condemn this verdict as a blatant example of the ruling regime’s strategy to silence independent voices advocating for human rights. They assert that expressing views on public platforms and independent media should not be criminalized, as it is a fundamental aspect of protecting human rights. The use of in absentia proceedings severely undermines judicial safeguards, leaving accused individuals without the right to know the charges or defend themselves effectively. This approach starkly contrasts with global standards for justice, highlighting the oppressive tactics employed by Belarusian authorities against civil society. Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently acknowledged the vital role of human rights defenders, stating, “They change lives: they fight, they educate, they hold authorities accountable to make human rights a living, breathing reality.” His remarks underscore the perilous landscape for activists in Belarus, where governmental actions threaten their existence and missions. Viasna’s statement reiterates the need for the international community to recognize the gravity of these abuses. They call for an end to the prosecution of Masliukova and others who simply exercise their freedom of expression, urging for legislative reforms that align Belarus’s laws with its international human rights commitments. In light of these alarming developments, the Human Rights Center Viasna demands the immediate overturning of Masliukova’s sentence and a halt to unlawful prosecutions of human rights defenders, emphasizing the urgent necessity for accountability and adherence to democratic principles in Belarus.
The statement from Human Rights Center Viasna highlights the dire situation for human rights defenders in Belarus, particularly regarding the recent verdict against Alena Masliukova. The regime’s crackdown on dissenting voices reflects a broader pattern of repression aimed at silencing those who advocate for fundamental freedoms. The mention of in absentia trials indicates a systematic disregard for fair judicial proceedings and human rights obligations under international law.
The unjust conviction of Alena Masliukova serves as a stark reminder of the perilous plight faced by human rights defenders in Belarus. This case exemplifies the oppressive tactics employed by the government to undermine civil society, calling for urgent international attention and action. Viasna’s demands for justice and reforms resonate with the broader struggle for human dignity and the right to free expression.
Original Source: spring96.org
