Belarus’s Executive Branch Uses Judiciary as Tool for Oppression

The executive branch of Belarus has been accused of abusing its power and manipulating the judiciary system to crack down on political opponents. This abuse of authority has led to a lack of respect for the right to a fair trial, particularly in cases with political overtones.

Lack of Independence in Judiciary

According to sources, the government has used its authority to appoint judges who are loyal only to the regime, disregarding the principle of an independent judiciary. This has resulted in a lack of respect for the right to a fair trial, especially in cases involving political opposition leaders and activists.

Post-Election Violence and Harsh Treatment

The situation worsened following the 2020 post-election violence, which saw widespread arrests and detention of opposition leaders and activists. Many have reported being subjected to harsh treatment, including torture, while in custody.

Impact on Legal Profession

The legal profession has been heavily affected by the authoritarian regime’s crackdown on dissent. In August 2020, the government revoked the licenses of multiple Belarusian attorneys at law, leaving many without a means to defend their clients.

Political Prisoners and Human Rights Violations

The numbers of political prisoners have continued to grow, with politicians, activists, and journalists among those detained. Many have been deprived of basic human rights, including food, personal hygiene, medical care, and adequate legal representation.

Police Force Corruption and Human Rights Abuses

The police force in Belarus has also been plagued by widespread corruption, inadequate training, and poor working conditions. Following the 2020 post-election protests, police violence, arbitrary arrests, and torture have continued to occur with impunity.

New Law Exempts Police from Responsibility

A new law enacted in 2021 has made it even easier for police officers to commit human rights abuses, exempting them from responsibility for damages inflicted on protesters.

Economic and Financial Environment

Belarus’s economic environment is heavily controlled by the government, which has led to limited foreign investment and competition. The country’s involvement in the invasion of Ukraine and sectoral sanctions imposed by the West have further deteriorated its economy.

Banking and Finance Sectors

The banking and finance sectors have been particularly affected, with international companies withdrawing from the country and Belarusian banks disconnected from the SWIFT system.

Despite having relevant legal frameworks in place, civil society organizations play a limited role in supporting victims of human trafficking due to bureaucratic requirements and lack of financial support from the government. Victims of drug-related crimes are often punished harshly rather than receiving support.

Media Environment

The country’s media environment is severely restricted, with censorship, threats, violence, and arbitrary arrests against critical journalists and bloggers being commonplace. The government has also cracked down on independent media outlets in recent years.

Conclusion

Overall, Belarus’s executive branch continues to use its power to suppress dissent and opposition, undermining the rule of law and human rights in the country.