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Belarus Lawyer Crisis

The Lukashenko regime's repression of lawyers in Belarus has created a severe shortage, leaving many without legal representation and violating basic human rights.

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PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsHuman RightsLawBelarusRepression

Belarusian Republican College Of AdvocatesInitiative "Right To Defense"Human Rights Center "Viasna"Dw

LukashenkoMaxim ZnakMaria KolesnikovaNatalia MatskevichOleg Matskevich

What kinds of charges were brought against lawyers?: The Belarusian authorities' actions against lawyers include fabricated charges such as data leaks, protest participation, and supporting "extremist" activities. These actions stem from either professional defense of political prisoners or opposing the government.
What is the main cause of the lawyer shortage in Belarus?: Hundreds of Belarusian lawyers have been forced out of the profession due to Lukashenko's regime repressions, with some areas lacking any legal representation. The situation is particularly dire for political prisoners.
What tactics did the Belarusian government use to repress lawyers?: Repressions against lawyers began in 2020, with arbitrary arrests, license revocations, and criminal prosecutions. At least 23 lawyers were arrested, 11 faced criminal charges, and over 140 lost their licenses.
Was the government's attempt to replace the departing lawyers successful?: The regime's attempt to replace departing lawyers with former security forces and judges has failed to alleviate the shortage. This is because the former officials are unwilling to face the same risks as the lawyers they're replacing.
What are the implications of this lawyer shortage for Belarusian citizens?: The lawyer shortage affects all of Belarus, with some areas entirely lacking legal representation. This violates basic human rights and hinders access to justice for citizens.

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