Belarus Investigates Approximately 20 Analysts for Allegedly ‘Harming National Security’ – Reuters

By Ronald Popeski and Kanishka Singh

Authorities in Belarus, Russia’s closest ally, initiated an investigation on Thursday targeting a group of 20 independent analysts and commentators currently residing outside the country. They are accused of conspiring to seize power and inciting extremism.

This investigation follows a series of searches and detentions of numerous individuals, many of whom have previously faced imprisonment for political dissent against President Alexander Lukashenko’s long-standing administration.

According to one human rights organization, over 150 individuals have been impacted by the police actions taken recently.

The United States, which has enforced sanctions on Belarus in collaboration with the European Union for years, condemned these latest punitive measures.

Belarus’s Investigative Committee has claimed that the analysts actively participated in developing and implementing plans for destructive activities intended to compromise national security.

The group consists of political commentators, economists, and officials associated with exiled opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was beaten by Lukashenko during the 2020 election.

Tsikhanouskaya, now residing in neighboring Lithuania, commented on Telegram, stating, "The regime is attempting to confine the country within an information bubble. This wave of repression against analysts and experts is merely retaliation against those who accurately assess the situation in Belarus and offer legitimate solutions to the crisis."

Human rights group Viasna reported that at least 157 people underwent detentions and inquiries, with most having been released or charged with minor offenses; however, some are facing charges related to supporting extremism.

The U.S. State Department expressed its condemnation of the Lukashenko regime’s recent raids and detentions, pledging to hold the government accountable for its severe internal repression and its ongoing support for Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Lukashenko has remained in power since 1994 and responded with a renewed crackdown on dissent following significant protests against what his opponents claim was a rigged re-election in 2020.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin supported Lukashenko during this confrontation, allowing Russia to use Belarus as a base for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

With his dependency on Moscow for political and economic backing, Lukashenko agreed last year to station Russian tactical nuclear weapons on his territory near Russia’s western border but has rejected deploying troops to the war in Ukraine.