Belarus in 2021 is characterized by repression, the landing of Ryanair, the migration crisis, and rapprochement with Russia

In Belarus, 2021 passed a sign of the intensification of repression by the authorities. Among the events that influenced the situation in and around Belarus was the forced landing of a Ryanair plane in Minsk and the migration crisis, which led to the tightening of Western sanctions.

“In 2021, the post-election year, the Belarusian regime not only lasted, but also strengthened, mainly due to the intensification of repression and support from Russia,” says Belarusian columnist Alyaksandr Kłaskouski in an interview with PAP. “The policy of repression was characteristic of the Belarusian authorities and earlier, but what we observed last year was unprecedented” – he adds.

Over the past 12 months, the number of political prisoners in Belarus has grown exponentially (currently there are 969), and the independent media ( and many journalists were imprisoned), human rights organizations and civil society.

The authorities tightened the rules on assembly, freedom on the Internet, media activities, and other forms of activity

“Forcing the Ryanair plane carrying an opposition activist to land in Minsk, and triggering a migration crisis at the borders with the EU – these were two cases, which became a threat to security outside Belarus. That is why such a strong reaction from the EU and the West took place, including in the form of tightening sanctions “- emphasizes Kłaskouski.

” The situation went beyond the borders of Belarus and if earlier, in the face of repression against the country’s citizens, the West could express anxiety, + it is here that a certain limit has been crossed. The actions of the Belarusian government have become a source of real threats to other countries and their citizens “- he adds.

achieved the goals of his actions, however “it is likely that similar provocative actions will continue in the future.” the so-called Western vector. Alyaksandr Lukashenka needed Moscow’s support and let himself be pushed against the wall, which resulted in consenting to the long-delayed signing of the so-called union programs (concerning the deepening of integration with Russia as part of the Union State) and a significant deepening of military cooperation “- explains the expert.

As Kłaskouski points out, increasing Russian influence in Belarus will be it continued and took place gradually. “It is not about the annexation, but about bringing to a situation in which – with or without Lukashenka – Belarus will not be able to become independent from Moscow,” he forecasts.

Belarus is entering the new 2022 with the same leader as in the previous 27 years. The government has announced a constitutional reform that will “limit the president’s prerogatives”, but in fact – as independent experts say – it will rather enable Lukashenka moving to a new influential position – chairman of the All-Belarus People’s Congress.

Due to sanctions, it is not possible to fly to Belarus from Western countries and Ukraine. Land borders are closed, formally due to the Covid-19 pandemic, although at the same time most of the epidemic restrictions have been lifted inside the country.

There are almost a thousand political prisoners behind the bars. Nearly 5,000 criminal proceedings against people whom the authorities perceive as their opponents. Former contenders for the presidency – Wiktar Babaryka (14) and Siarhei Cichanouski (18), as well as their associates, opposition activists and bloggers – were sentenced to draconian prison terms.