"This is another form of transnational repression, aimed at making life difficult for deported political prisoners outside the country. The authorities are cutting off our ties with Belarus, but it is a futile effort."
"This is a continuation of persecution and an attempt to create conditions where it becomes impossible for these individuals to return to the country normally. The policy amounts to an administrative tool to formalize exile for the hundreds of former prisoners expelled from Belarus over the past year."
"Byalyatski, a veteran activist who was released and removed from Belarus in a US-brokered deal in December 2025 after nearly five years in prison, said he was informed that his passport is no longer valid, despite not being set to expire until 2028."
Belarus has revoked the passports of Ales Byalyatski and other deported political prisoners, a move seen as transnational repression. This action complicates their ability to travel, obtain new documents, or return home, effectively solidifying their exile. Byalyatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated that the authorities are attempting to sever ties with Belarus, but it is a futile effort. The policy serves as an administrative tool to formalize the exile of hundreds of former prisoners expelled from Belarus in recent years.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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