Belarus: The Impact of Sentencing a Human Rights Defender on the Activist Community

Belarusian Human Rights Defender Sentenced to Seven Years in Penal Colony on Trumped-Up Charges

A Blow to Activist Community and Human Rights Situation in Belarus

Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Marie Struthers, has condemned the sentencing of Nasta Loika, a prominent human rights defender and educator from Belarus. Loika has been sentenced to seven years in a penal colony on trumped-up charges following a closed trial. Struthers describes the trial as secretive and sham, highlighting the total lack of legitimacy and violation of Loika’s right to a fair trial. The conviction of Loika is not only a devastating blow to the activist community in Belarus, but also a grave infringement on the overall human rights situation in the country.

A Courageous Activist and Educator

Nasta Loika’s work as a human rights defender and educator in Belarus deserves recognition and admiration. She has been a courageous activist who has tirelessly promoted and protected human rights in the country. Loika has documented the use of repressive “anti-extremist” legislation in Belarus, advocated for the rights of foreign nationals and stateless persons, and provided valuable education on human rights. Her dedication to the cause deserves appreciation and support.

Immediate and Unconditional Release

Amnesty International, in alignment with their call for justice and human rights, demands the immediate and unconditional release of Nasta Loika. The charges against her are clearly false and have been fabricated to silence her activism. Holding her captive serves as a warning to other human rights defenders in Belarus, creating a climate of fear and repression that must be condemned.

Fears for Loika’s Health and Safety

There are serious concerns for Nasta Loika’s health and safety, especially considering the secretive nature of her trial. The Belarusian authorities must address these concerns urgently and take immediate action to ensure her well-being. The use of the criminal justice system as a means to repress dissenting voices is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and human rights.

An Urgent Call for Investigation

In addition to the call for Loika’s release, Amnesty International urges the Belarusian authorities to launch a thorough investigation into her arbitrary detention and the allegations of torture made against prison officials. Due process and fair treatment must be upheld, and those responsible for the crimes committed against Loika and other human rights defenders must face a fair trial without resorting to the death penalty.

Background

Nasta (Anastasia) Loika has been an influential figure in the human rights community in Belarus. In her work, she has shed light on the use of repressive “anti-extremist” legislation in the country and has been an advocate for the rights of foreign nationals and stateless persons. Her commitment to education on human rights has been invaluable for raising awareness and fostering a culture of respect for human rights in Belarus.

Loika’s arbitrary detention took place on September 6, 2022, as she was leaving Minsk City Court after attending a hearing in the trial of fellow human rights defenders Marfa Rabkova, Andrei Chapyuk, and their co-defendants. Initially detained for “petty hooliganism,” Loika’s detention was extended multiple times until she was eventually remanded as a criminal suspect in October 2022. During her detention, she was denied access to her lawyer, necessary medical treatment, warm clothing, and drinking water.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Nasta Loika, a brave human rights defender and educator, to seven years in a penal colony on trumped-up charges is deeply concerning and reflects the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus. It is imperative for the international community to stand in solidarity with Loika and other human rights defenders facing similar fates. The Belarusian authorities must heed the calls for justice, immediately release Loika, and ensure her safety. The use of the criminal justice system to silence dissent must be condemned, and accountability for the crimes committed against Loika must be pursued through fair and just trials. The protection and promotion of human rights should be at the forefront of any nation’s agenda, and Belarus must strive to honor its obligations in this regard.

Justice-humanrights,humanrightsdefender,Belarus,activistcommunity,sentencing