4.4.2. Lawyers

Bar associations in Belarus lack independence534 and are fully controlled by the authorities.535 The legal profession is ‘under severe threat’, as the authorities exert pressure on independent lawyers,536 bar their access to the profession, and subject them to politically motivated administrative and criminal prosecution537 and detention, creating a situation in which lawyers become political prisoners themselves.538

Between 2020 and May 2024, at least 140 lawyers were disbarred by regional bar associations or had their licenses arbitrarily revoked by the Ministry of Justice. While the Ministry of Justice formally justifies such revocations as based on decisions of its Qualification Commission – citing regulatory violations or insufficient qualifications – the affected lawyers had, on average, more than 13.5 years of professional experience. Many had practiced for over two decades and some had previously been ‘recognised by bar associations for their excellence.’539

Retaliatory practices have particularly affected lawyers defending ‘prominent opposition figures and anti-government activists,’ contributing to a steady decline in the number of legal professionals in Belarus.540 As representing clients in politically sensitive cases has become increasingly dangerous, lawyers are difficult to find for such cases,541 which has severely undermined the rights to a fair trial, due process, and legal remedy.542 Human Constanta further noted that ‘if a lawyer is too active, the Ministry of Justice would conduct checks about them.’543

As of January 2025, at least nine lawyers were criminally convicted for their professional or human rights activities.544 As of end of 2025, six lawyers were serving prison sentences ranging from six to ten years on politically motivated charges,545 including for ‘providing legal aid to political opposition figures and activists’ and giving interviews to independent media designated as extremist formations.546 In November 2025, a lawyer, who lost her licence for representing protesters in 2020, was sentenced to house arrest on the charges of ‘inciting hatred.’547

In detention, lawyers face retaliatory ill-treatment comparable to that imposed on other political prisoners.548