UN denounces Belarus' use of psychiatric treatments on critics
UN experts have condemned the forced psychiatric treatment of critics of the Belarusian government following the 2020 elections, highlighting inhumane practices and a lack of transparency.
Key Information
- UN condemns forced psychiatric treatment: Experts report at least 33 cases.
- Non-transparent judicial processes: Treatment decisions are made behind closed doors.
- Concerns about the fate of detainees: 25 individuals remain in unknown locations.
UN experts have expressed strong opposition to the forced psychiatric treatment imposed on dozens of individuals critical of the Belarusian authorities after the disputed 2020 presidential elections. According to details provided by the experts, at least 33 people, including five women, underwent such treatment for expressing critical opinions towards the government.
The UN experts stress that the decisions regarding forced treatment were made by courts, raising serious concerns about their legality. These proceedings happened behind closed doors, further compromising transparency.
Experts, including Nils Muižnieks, the special envoy on human rights in Belarus, expressed concern about the fate of individuals detained in psychiatric institutions. They note that 25 people are still being held in unknown locations, raising fears for their safety.
Experts alarm
The situation in Belarus is cause for serious concern regarding human rights. UN experts are calling for greater transparency and respect for the rights of detainees.
According to our information, eight individuals sent for forced psychiatric treatment have been released. At least 25 others remain secretly detained, and we lack information about their fate or whereabouts, which raises concerns about their potential "forced disappearance," emphasized the experts, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
