**Belarus: 15 Minors Convicted of Politically Motivated Charges in 2025**
A disturbing trend has emerged in Belarus, where 15 minors have been convicted of politically motivated charges this year. According to data released by the country’s Supreme Court on July 29, these young individuals have been held accountable for a range of offenses, including insulting President Alexander Lukashenko.
Two minors were convicted under Article 367 of the Criminal Code, which makes it an offense to insult the Belarusian leader. This is just one example of the increasingly repressive atmosphere in Belarus, where freedom of speech and assembly are severely restricted. The country has been ruled by Lukashenko since 1994, with him maintaining a tight grip on power despite the growing international condemnation of his regime.
**A Pattern of Repression**
The convictions of these minors are part of a broader pattern of repression in Belarus. Since mass protests broke out in 2020, following a disputed presidential election, the authorities have increasingly cracked down on dissent. The country has been accused of complicity in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and its human rights record has deteriorated significantly.
The use of Article 342 to convict nine minors is particularly concerning, as it allows for the prosecution of individuals who participate in or organize actions that are deemed to be a threat to public order. This article has been used to silence opposition voices and suppress dissenting views.
**A Country on the Fringe**
Belarus is often described as an “authoritarian state” with severely restricted civil liberties. The country’s human rights record has been criticized by organizations such as Freedom House, which notes that Belarus ranks among the lowest in terms of democratic freedoms.
The recent presidential election, in which Lukashenko was re-elected for a seventh consecutive term, has been widely denounced as a sham. The absence of an OSCE mission to observe the vote is a further indication of the regime’s desire to maintain its grip on power at all costs.
**A Harsh Sentence**
The convictions of these minors are not only a blow to their individual rights but also a stark reminder of the dangers of living in a country where dissent is discouraged and opposition is silenced. In an era where young people are increasingly active in demanding justice and human rights, Belarus’s actions represent a regressive stance that undermines the very principles of democracy.
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