Belarusian courts reportedly use coercive psychiatric treatment against individuals expressing dissent.431 Between 2020 and 31 December 2025, at least 39 individuals were subjected to this practice related to politically motivated cases,432 such as for participation in protests, insulting the president or government officials, terrorism, and promoting extremist activities.433 Court decisions to transfer individuals to psychiatric hospitals were reportedly made in closed doors proceedings,434 as courts classified them under Article 6 (13) of the Criminal Procedure Code as having ‘committed socially dangerous acts’.435
Individuals subjected to coercive treatment are reportedly held incommunicado in mental health facilities. Unlike prisoners in penitentiary system, they may be detained for indefinite periods and are not eligible for parole, amnesty, or pardon.436
- 431
UN Human Rights Council, Report of Human Rights in Belarus, 22 April 2025, url, para. 3
- 432
Viasna, Human rights situation in Belarus in 2025, 13 January 2026, url
- 433
UN Human Rights Council, Report of Human Rights in Belarus, 22 April 2025, url, para. 37; UN OHCHR, Belarus: Experts alarmed at reports of coercive psychiatric treatment as punishment for political dissent, 24 April 2025, url
- 434
UN Human Rights Council, Report of Human Rights in Belarus, 22 April 2025, url, para. 37; UN OHCHR, Belarus: Experts alarmed at reports of coercive psychiatric treatment as punishment for political dissent, 24 April 2025, url
- 435
UN Human Rights Council, Report of Human Rights in Belarus, 22 April 2025, url, para. 37
- 436
UN Human Rights Council, Report of Human Rights in Belarus, 22 April 2025, url, para. 37; UN OHCHR, Belarus: Experts alarmed at reports of coercive psychiatric treatment as punishment for political dissent, 24 April 2025, url