1. Introduction
The human rights situation and political freedoms in Belarus are rapidly deteriorating. The fascist regime of Lukashenko openly relies on intimidation, violence, and repression as primary political tools. At the core of this system of fear is the Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB), which has retained its Soviet-era name and methods, transforming into a powerful apparatus of oppression.
The international community, including the UN, OSCE, and other global organizations, condemns the illegal arrests, fabricated criminal charges, and inhumane treatment of political prisoners. However, the repression continues. Therefore, we call on the parliaments and governments of various countries, international organizations, and human rights groups to recognize the Belarusian KGB as a terrorist organization and take decisive action to end the repression and secure the release of political prisoners.
2. Key Facts and Statistics
As of the time of publication in Belarus:
- 167 women political prisoners (belaruswomen.org)
Among them:
65% are included in the "Extremist List" maintained by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus.
24% are included in the "Terrorist List" maintained by the KGB of Belarus.
The regime’s repression affects not only young activists but also mothers, elderly women, and other vulnerable groups. The following figures demonstrate that the Lukashenko regime deliberately targets these categories using fabricated charges of extremism and terrorism:
- 20 female political prisoners - mothers of 39 minor children (belaruswomen.org)
70% are included in the "Extremist List"
25% are included in the "Terrorist List"
- 26 female political prisoners of retirement age (belaruswomen.org)
65% are included in the "Extremist List"
23% are included in the "Terrorist List"
In total, since 2020 in Belarus:
1,780 women have been subjected to politically motivated criminal prosecution (dissidentby.com)
Among them:
62% are included in the "Extremist List" maintained by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
5% are included in the "Terrorist List" maintained by the KGB of Belarus.
3. The Fight Against Extremism and Terrorism as a Cover for Repression
In Belarus, the fight against extremism and terrorism is used by the Lukashenko regime not to protect the safety of citizens, but as a facade to suppress and dismantle civil society.
The law on countering extremism and terrorism has become a powerful tool of repression. Anything related to expressing dissent against the regime or showing solidarity with the victims of repression is declared criminal activity. Support for political prisoners and their families, civic initiatives, and independent media are all automatically equated with extremism or terrorism.
In addition to individual "blacklists," the Belarusian authorities have expanded their repressive framework by designating civil organizations, independent media, messenger groups, blogs, and even books as “extremist” or “terrorist.” In 2024, restrictions on freedom of expression under the guise of combating extremism and terrorism intensified significantly (see the report by the Human Rights Center Viasna — spring96.org).
4. The KGB Terrorist List — A Tool of State Terror
Until 2020, the Belarusian KGB primarily included foreign nationals in its “terrorist list,” targeting individuals from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, or Somalia, in line with the UN Security Council’s sanction lists.
However, since 2020, the situation has drastically changed: Belarusian citizens began to be added to this list based solely on politically motivated charges that have no connection to actual terrorist activities.
Political prisoners included on this list face especially harsh treatment: they are denied medical care, have their communication with the outside world restricted, and are prohibited from sending or receiving correspondence.
The list includes not only those currently imprisoned but also Belarusian citizens who have managed to avoid arrest by fleeing into forced exile or have been sentenced in absentia. Their assets and financial resources are confiscated by the regime.
Not only those listed as “terrorists” face pressure and threats — their families also become targets of intimidation and persecution.
In today’s Belarus, anyone who dares to criticize the regime or show solidarity with victims of repression can be labeled a “terrorist.” The term has effectively lost its original meaning and has come to signify dissenters and political opponents of the Lukashenko regime.
5. The Paradox of International Recognition
World leaders, parliaments, and governments of various countries, politicians, and human rights organizations, including UN structures, openly call for the release of Belarusian political prisoners and an end to political repression, including against those labeled as “extremists” and “terrorists.”
Members of the European Parliament and national parliaments of EU countries take patronage over Belarusian political prisoners within the framework of the inititiative Godparenthood for political prisoners in Belarus | Libereco. Among those under their protection are political prisoners whom the KGB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus have labeled as “terrorists” or “extremists.”
Following the regime’s own logic, it would mean that all these international organizations, parliament members, and government leaders are automatically “accomplices of terrorists and extremists.”
At the same time, the paradox is that representatives of the Lukashenko regime, who are implementing this state policy of terror, continue to be part of international organizations such as the UN and OSCE.
6. How the Lukashenko Regime Distorts the Concepts of "Extremism" and "Terrorism"
The Lukashenko regime deliberately distorts international definitions of "extremism" and "terrorism," turning them into tools of repression to achieve three main goals:
- Legitimizing political repression and creating an atmosphere of fear.
- Eliminating opposition and suppressing any criticism of the authorities.
- Restricting freedom of speech and assembly by equating peaceful protests, investigative journalism, and civic initiatives with extremism and terrorism.
As a result, citizens face widespread persecution on political grounds: unlawful detentions, closed-door and in-absentia trials, torture and ill-treatment, confiscation of property, travel bans, and pressure on families. By manipulating the concepts of "extremism" and "terrorism," the regime punishes political opponents, suppresses civil liberties, and systematically violates human rights.
Using the KGB and other security agencies, the authorities conduct mass arrests, politically motivated trials, and persecute opposition figures, journalists, businesspeople, and scholars. Individuals are added to "terrorist" and "extremist" lists, their property is confiscated, financial assets frozen, and their relatives subjected to harassment.
The Lukashenko regime closely collaborates with terrorist regimes, conducts organized special operations to eliminate opponents, and is responsible for the kidnappings and killings of journalists, politicians, and activists.
7. Why the KGB of Belarus Should Be Recognized as a Terrorist Organization
Recognizing the KGB as a terrorist organization will not only intensify international pressure but also create a legal basis for sanctions and the prosecution of those involved in repression.
The KGB of Belarus is not just a security agency; it is a structure that systematically employs violence, intimidation, and extrajudicial repression to maintain power and suppress dissent.
1. An instrument of violence and repression. The KGB plays a central role in sustaining Lukashenko’s dictatorship through mass arrests, torture, and the persecution of opposition figures, journalists, businesspeople, and academics.
2. State-sponsored terror. The KGB’s activities include forced deportations, assassinations of opponents, the fabrication of criminal cases, and the imposition of sentences under false “terrorism” charges—actions sanctioned at the highest levels of government.
3. A threat to international security. Through its collaboration with terrorist and criminal regimes, the Lukashenko regime destabilizes the region and poses a threat to global security.
4. Symbolic and practical impact of recognition.
- Strengthen international legal grounds for sanctions, freezing of accounts, and asset confiscation.
- Enhance protection for Belarusian activists abroad.
- Limit the resources of the repressive apparatus, weakening its financial and diplomatic capabilities.
Recognizing the KGB as a terrorist organization means:
- affirming the principles of freedom and justice,
- condemning institutionalized state terror,
- making a clear statement that violence cannot be used as a tool of governance.
8. Urgent Call to Action
To stop state-sponsored terror and protect the rights of women and all citizens of Belarus, decisive steps are needed at national and international levels. We call on politicians, national parliaments, international organizations, and human rights groups to take the following actions:
8.1. Recognize the KGB of Belarus as a Terrorist Organization
1. Include the KGB of Belarus in official lists of terrorist organizations at national and international levels.
2. Develop mechanisms for confiscating Belarusian state-owned assets abroad and use these funds to compensate the victims of KGB activities.
3. Exclude Belarus from international organizations (UN, OSCE, etc.) for its deliberate acts of state-sponsored terrorism.
8.2. Immediate Release of Women Political Prisoners and All Political Prisoners
1. Demand the unconditional release of all women political prisoners and all political prisoners in Belarus.
2. Ensure their full rehabilitation: removal of criminal records, exclusion from the “terrorist lists” (KGB) and “extremist lists” (Ministry of Internal Affairs), restoration of civil rights, and compensation for damages.
3. End all forms of politically motivated persecution.
8.3. Intensify International Pressure
Dictators respond only to firm and decisive measures. History shows that diplomatic statements are insufficient — only targeted economic and political pressure can be effective against dictators.
We call on politicians, national parliaments, and international organizations to issue categorical ultimatums to the Lukashenko regime.
Enough with “regrets” and “deep concerns” - it’s time to act!
Your Involvement Matters
Only joint actions can put an end to the repression, protect women's rights, and bring Belarus back onto the path of freedom, dignity, and democratic development.
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Infos & in Media & Useful Links:
Periodic updates available here:
- Women Political Prisoners in Belarus (belaruswomen.org)
- List: Women political prisoners in Belarus in custody (belaruswomen.org)
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