30 Years of Lukashenka: A Thread (1) Building a Dictatorship. Lukashenka’s rule is a textbook case on establishing a dictatorship. First, he dismissed parliament and courts, destroyed independent media, then paralyzed society with repressions, killing or jailing opponents.

Ales Bialiatski is currently imprisoned in one of the harshest prisons in Belarus. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting the right to criticise power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens. #NobelPrize

Tomorrow we'll publish the first newsletter of the campaign. Make sure you have it in your inbox, too: free-anar.site/newsletter/

Four years ago, we launched our campaign tour with the first rally in #Belarus. Thousands came out to hear our message of freedom. It was an incredible feeling. Today, I carry that same hope and determination with me as we continue to fight for a free and democratic Belarus.

Today, our colleague Anar Mammadli Campaign 🇦🇿 #FreeAnar #COP29 Mammadli spends his birthday behind bars. He was detained on 29 Apr as reprisal for his election observation & human rights work. His arrest is part of a worsening #humanrights situation in #Azerbaijan. 1/2

In a July 2023 interview on solidarity w/ political prisoners in #Belarus, Anar Mammadli warned of the risks of defending #humanrights. Less than a year later on 29 April, he was detained in #Azerbaijan. Today is his birthday. #FreeAnar Full interview: bit.ly/3XEtplZ

‼️Anar Mammadli's detention in #Azerbaijan‼️ Prosecutors requested the extension of Anar Mammadli's pre-trial detention until 27 November (after #COP29), his lawyers learned today. As we write, the Court approved the request. Now more than ever: #FreeAnar before COP29 Azerbaijan⚖️

Today is #AnnaPolitkovskaya birthday 🥀 I like the cover of this book - all her life was about telling people's pain and fighting for their individual dignity and justice, a whole life composed of other's lifes. She told them beautifully and the way you couldn't ignore. #Russia

Next week, Putin is scheduled to visit Mongolia, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC). apnews.com/article/russia… The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Putin re war crimes in Ukraine, and ICC member Mongolia is obligated to arrest him. hrw.org/the-day-in-hum…

Figures that reflect the reality of #Belarus: ▫️ At least 33 people will be tried this week for participating in the 2020 post-election protests. ◽️ Since 2020, at least 2,579 people have been convicted under Art. 342, according to Viasna. #politicalprisoners #FreeThemAll

Two years ago on this day, ten political prisoners were sentenced, including Viasna human rights activists Marfa Rabkova and Andrei Chapiuk. All those convicted received long sentences ranging from 5 to 17 years. Such a harsh and unfair decision was made by judge Siarhei

Four years ago today Maria Kalesnikava, one of the leaders and symbols of the Belarus protests, was abducted in Minsk by Lukashenka’s security services. She was later sentenced to 11 years in prison. She is held in complete isolation, denied medical care, and deliberately

Four years ago today, Marfa Rabkova, one of our bravest human rights defenders, was unjustly imprisoned. She was sentenced to 14 years and 9 months simply for standing up for what’s right. No one should suffer like this for their bravery. She must be released immediately.

#Belarus: 4 years ago today, Viasna member Marfa Rabkova was arrested. She & 4 other Viasna members are still arbitrarily detained 📣We urge the authorities to release them & end the repression against Viasna and all #humanrights defenders in Belarus 👉fidh.org/en/region/euro…

Today marks four years since Belarusian #humanrights defender Marfa Rabkova was detained. She is one of 1350+ political prisoners in Belarus detained as a reprisal for their legitimate work. #FreeMarfa #FreeBelarus 1/2

😔 Marfa Rabkova is one of the five longest serving female political prisoners in #Belarus. See more facts about Viasna human rights defender in the pictures ⬇️ Today, on the 4th anniversary of Marfa's arrest, and every day, we demand freedom for her and all

How has #humanrights defender Marfa Rabkova been persecuted? A thread ⬇️ Marfa Rabkova joined Viasna in 2019. She coordinated volunteers to observe peaceful protests and monitor hundreds of court trials. In the summer of 2020, she took part in the "Human Rights Defenders for

Now public: my comm to #Azerbaijan on HRD Anar Mammadli’s case. Gvt’s response contradicts reliable info received by my mandate & I’m still concerned his prosecution may be due to his human rights work. Release him from detention & ensure fair trial! srdefenders.org/azerbaijan-arb…

📢 The Belarusian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release all of them. Today, European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation of political prisoners in #Belarus. Among other things, the European Parliament reiterates its call on the EU and its Member States

🎈 On September 25, Ales Bialiatski will mark his birthday. Viasna founder will spend it behind bars once again, but we can show our solidarity and support him 🙌🏼 How can we celebrate Ales? Thread ⬇️ 1️⃣ Let’s flood social media with photos of Ales Bialiatski! Before his