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POZIRK+Interior ministry brands 19 people “extremists”
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Bialacki meets with Lithuanian PM to discuss rights abuses in Belarus, accountability for Łukašenka regime
April 27, Pozirk. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aleś Bialacki had a meeting in Vilnius on April 27 with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė to discuss the human rights situation in Belarus, accountability for Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime and measures for increasing international pressure on Minsk, reported the press office of the Lithuanian government.
Ruginienė reportedly assured Bialacki, head of the Viasna Human Rights Center, that that Lithuania continues to demand an end to politically motivated persecution in Belarus and the release of all political prisoners. “Lithuania’s position remains consistent: political repression in Belarus must cease, and all political prisoners must be released,” the press office said.
According to Viasna, Bialacki stressed the need for the further application of the mechanisms of the International Criminal Court to the events in Belarus. Bialacki and Ruginienė paid particular attention to the regime’s pressure on European Humanities University in exile in Vilnius and politically motivated persecution in Belarus in general, the center said.
They also discussed activities of trade unions and cooperation with the International Labor Organization as well as integration of forced Belarusian emigrants in Lithuania and the efficiency of the sanctions policy.
For Belarus’ pro-democracy forces, Lithuania remains one of the key partners in the region, providing support to civil society initiatives and educational projects, the Viasna Human Rights Center said.
Bialacki also had a meeting with Lithuanian lawmaker Laurynas Kasčiūnas, who is known for campaigning for restrictions on Belarusians in Lithuania, including most recently a bill that would suspend the issuance of first-time residence permits to citizens of Belarus. The meeting reportedly focused on “issues of democratic sustainability and human rights protection.” Bialacki and Kasčiūnas also discussed the “importance of preserving Belarusian culture and identity in exile.”
On March 12, 2026, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague announced the launch of an investigation into Lithuania’s allegations that the Alaksandar Łukašenka regime has committed transboundary crimes against humanity as part of its crackdown on opponents starting 2020.
On April 16, Lithuania lodged a strong protest with Belarus over Minsk’s move to designate European Humanities University (EHU) as an “extremist” group.
On April 23, Lithuania’s parliament (Seimas) extended national sanctions against citizens of Belarus and Russia until December 31, 2027.
EHU rector expecting student numbers to drop after Belarus’ extremist designation
April 23, Pozirk. Vilius Šadauskas, rector of Vilnius-based European Humanities University (EHU), described university’s “extremist” designation by Belarus as a serious challenge for students and lecturers from Belarus. Students and lecturers may face persecution once they cross the border into …
