Over 40 raids have reportedly taken place in Belarus as authorities entered the homes of human rights activists and journalists on Wednesday.
The raids occurred a day after President Alexander Lukashenko promised to “deal with” non-governmental organizations (NGOs) he accused of stirring up unrest.
Reports say among those targeted were the homes of several advocates at the Viasna human rights center, offices of other Belarusian NGOs, and residences of activists and journalists in various regions.
The renowned Viasna center has been monitoring human rights in Belarus for a quarter-century. Authorities revoked its credentials in 2003 and its leader, Ales Bialiatski, was arrested in 2012 and spent two years behind bars.
In the midst of Wednesday’s raids targeting Viasna on Wednesday, Bialiatski’s whereabouts were unknown.
Other organizations targeted in the raids included the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, the World Association of Belarusians, the For Freedom movement and the Gender Perspectives association.
According to Viasna, journalists and rights activists in cities of Orsh, Grodno, Brest and others were also targeted in raids.
Last week, authorities conducted more than 30 raids targeting journalists and media organizations in the capital Minsk and other regions.
Seven journalists have been detained, including those working for the Nasha Niva newspaper which has been banned by the authorities. A total of 39 journalists are currently behind bars, either awaiting court appearances or convicted to prison terms.
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