Exiled dissidents from Belarus describe a grim reality as they navigate ongoing threats from the regime of Alexander Lukashenko. Since mass protests erupted in 2020 against a presidential election widely regarded as fraudulent, hundreds of thousands of Belarusian citizens have sought refuge abroad. However, the government has intensified its campaign against opposition figures, manifesting through intimidation tactics even outside the country.
One notable case is journalist Tatsiana Ashurkevich, 26, who continued her work after fleeing Belarus. Recently, Ashurkevich found her apartment door sealed with construction foam, leading her to suspect government involvement. When confronted with a follower who made inquiries about her knowledge related to Belarusian conflicts, she took steps to protect herself by blocking him.
In Belarus, a human rights group estimates that tens of thousands have been arrested since the onset of the protests. The current regime routinely accuses opposition activists of colluding with foreign powers to undermine national security, justifying their persecution abroad. Anna Krasulina, a press secretary for exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has documented a barrage of threatening messages.
Legislation introduced in 2022 has allowed Belarusian authorities to prosecute exiles in absentia, leading to a spike in cases against critics living outside the country. This law has resulted in authorities conducting raids and pressuring the families of the accused. Many dissidents reluctant to participate in demonstrations abroad cite fears for their families as a primary concern.
The story is echoed by Artem Lebedko, who is serving a prison sentence in Belarus after being arrested for his father's ties to the opposition. Activists suggest that Lukashenko's regime is strategically working to disconnect dissidents from their families, aiming to instill fear and discourage opposition. Numerous sources also note that relatives of activists continue to face harassment from security services.
In Russia, where some Belarusian exiles have sought refuge, the situation is particularly perilous. Reports indicate the extradition of individuals accused of "extremist crimes" to Belarus, reflecting broader concerns about personal safety among exiled dissidents.
Activist Andrei Strizhak stated that the tactics employed by the Belarusian government mirror those of the KGB, utilizing modern methods to exert pressure on exiles. He labeled this campaign a "war of attrition," highlighting the emotional toll on those fighting for democracy and freedom in Belarus. Strizhak also emphasized the resilience of the community, despite the increasing energy required to resist oppressive forces.
