Belarus under scrutiny: UN condemns secret detentions and forced psychiatric treatments
UN experts have condemned the forced psychiatric treatment of critics of the Belarusian government following the 2020 elections, citing inhumane practices and a lack of transparency.
Key information
- UN condemns forced psychiatric treatment: Experts report at least 33 cases.
- Non-transparent judicial processes: Decisions regarding treatment are made behind closed doors.
- Concerns about the fate of detainees: 25 people remain in unknown locations.
UN experts have expressed strong opposition to the enforced psychiatric treatment imposed on dozens of critics of the Belarusian authorities after the controversial presidential elections in 2020. According to information provided by the experts, at least 33 people, including five women, were subjected to such treatment for expressing critical opinions towards the government.
The UN experts emphasise that decisions regarding forced treatment were made by courts, raising serious concerns about their legality. These proceedings took place behind closed doors, further undermining their transparency.
Experts, including Nils Muižnieks, the special envoy on human rights in Belarus, have expressed concern about the fate of individuals detained in psychiatric institutions. They point out that 25 people are still being held in unknown locations, raising fears about their safety.
Experts alarmed
The situation in Belarus raises serious concerns about human rights observance. UN experts are calling for 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 are still secretly detained, and we have no information about their fate or whereabouts, which raises concerns about their possible "forced disappearance", emphasised the experts, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
