Eurasia Mission’s report “Faith in Chains” reveals large-scale violations of religious freedom in Belarus
The Eurasia Mission has published an analytical report “Faith in Handcuffs,” which details large-scale violations of religious freedom in Belarus.
The document, prepared by religious freedom experts Mikhail Bricin and Maxim Vasin, shows that the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko is actively using religion as a political tool, intensifying repression against churches and religious communities.
Key facts from the report
Increased legislative restrictions: In December 2023, a new law on freedom of conscience came into force, significantly restricting the rights of religious organizations. The law provides for mandatory re-registration of churches, increased oversight of religious activities, and a ban on the functioning of unregistered communities.
Benefits for the Belarusian Orthodox Church: The report notes that the country’s religious policy privileges only the Belarusian Orthodox Church, which is part of the Russian Orthodox Church. Other religious denominations, including evangelical communities, are subject to severe restrictions and sometimes direct repression.
Persecution for anti-war stance: Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Lukashenko’s regime has stepped up repression of religious leaders who have expressed anti-war views. Detentions, fines, and imprisonment have become commonplace.
Religion is under KGB control: The Belarusian KGB, which has its roots in the Soviet era, actively uses its powers to oversee religious communities. Religious leaders who openly criticize the authorities often face intimidation, arrests, and prosecution.
Recommendations to the international community
The report emphasizes the need for an international response. The authors of the report managed to prepare a list of recommendations for international organizations, including the UN, OSCE and Council of Europe. They include increasing diplomatic pressure on Belarus to stop repression and organizing assistance to the affected religious communities.
Political context
After the 2020-2021 protests in Belarus, the Lukashenko regime launched a new wave of repression aimed at restricting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Religious organizations that were previously able to operate relatively freely have become subject to strict state control.
The report “Faith in Handcuffs” concludes that the repressive policy in Belarus is increasingly reminiscent of Russia’s practices, in particular in the occupied Ukrainian territories. The authors call not only to record the facts of violations, but also to actively counteract such actions.
