Overview

• Rights activists in Belarus claim that police recently interrogated and beat at least 20 LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Two people have been charged with distributing pornography and eight with hooliganism under new laws targeting LGBTQ+ depictions.
• Arrests reportedly occurred in public places such as universities, cafes, homes, and transport stops.
• Russia's increasing crackdown on sexual minorities, including labeling the international LGBTQ+ movement as extremist, influences Belarusian policies.
• Belarus has intensified repression against opposition groups since disputed elections, with many leaders in exile or prison.