Belarus puts thousands in jail over Ukraine support - human rights group finds

In a wide-scale operation across Belarus pro-Ukraine supporters face harsh punishment under Alexander Lukashenkoʼs control. The state (which is Russias close partner) took action against its own people who showed any kind of support for Ukraine

According to Viasna rights group data more than 1‚600 citizens got arrested due to their pro-Ukrainian position. The courts gave out strict punishments – some people got locked up for quarter-century terms‚ while others face shorter time-frames

The government used various charges to put these people behind bars: from so-called extremist activities to anti-state plots. The whole situation shows how Lukashenkos administration deals with those who dont share its pro-Russian views. Around 200 people already serve time in jail (which means real prison terms not just detention)

The crackdown targets anyone who speaks up: from social-media posters to street protesters. Belarus keeps tight control over any Ukraine-related activities – making sure nobody can show support without facing consequences

Human rights groups say this is one of the biggest waves of political arrests in Belarus recent history. The state uses different methods to find people: checking phones looking at social media and listening to private talks