Belarusian Rights Defenders Navigate Life in Exile

For five prominent Belarusian human rights defenders, the end of their prison sentences did not mark the beginning of a normal life, but rather the start of a different kind of confinement. According to an interview published by the Human Rights House Foundation, Ales Bialiatski, Uladzimir Labkovich, Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Nasta Loika find that their release has been complicated by forced exile and ongoing transnational repression. Their stories, shared in a report by GN geopolitics/rights (en-US), highlight a grim reality: while they are physically outside Belarusian borders, they remain psychologically and politically bound to the country they were expelled from against their will.

The group represents some of the most recognized voices in the Belarusian civil society movement, whose imprisonment became a symbol of the authorities' crackdown following the 2020 elections. Despite their physical presence in other countries, none of the five chose exile freely; they were removed from their homeland under coercive circumstances. Their accounts suggest that for them, freedom is not a singular state of being, but a fragile condition that is constantly undermined by the knowledge that their families and colleagues remain in danger within Belarus.

Psychological Scars of Incarceration

The transition from prison to freedom is described by the defenders as a slow and difficult process. Ales Bialiatski, who crossed into Lithuania in December 2025, recalls the moment as a border between captivity and freedom. He noted that reality felt dreamlike, and it was only when he stepped outside into the quiet, snowy streets of Vilnius that he began to feel a sense of release. However, he emphasizes that the habits formed in prison do not disappear overnight, and the process of adapting to an ordinary environment is still ongoing.

Uladzimir Labkovich offers a stark contrast to the relief of freedom, describing the first months after his release as dominated by intense anxiety. He spoke of an irrational fear that he would be kidnapped, which prevented him from sleeping. For Labkovich, sleep had become a tool of escape during his imprisonment, allowing him to dream of freedom and family. Now, in exile, the fear of losing control has replaced the fear of losing time, leaving him with lingering routines and thought patterns that make him feel perpetually out of place.

Repression Extends Beyond Borders

The defenders report that their freedom is inextricably linked to the situation of those still behind bars. Marfa Rabkova describes freedom as a collective concept, stating that she cannot feel truly free as long as repression continues in her homeland. This sentiment is compounded by the threat of transnational repression, which creates a pervasive sense of danger. Rabkova notes that the price of any public word or action can be high because their loved ones remain in Belarus, turning their exile into a source of constant worry rather than safety.

This dynamic creates a unique form of psychological burden where the exile is not just a geographical displacement but a continuous state of vigilance. The defenders indicate that their advocacy work continues, but it is conducted under the shadow of these threats. The fear is not abstract; it is a daily reality that shapes their interactions with the world and their ability to process their own liberation.

Solidarity as a Lifeline

Amidst these challenges, the defenders highlight the crucial role of solidarity from family, colleagues, and strangers. This support network serves as a vital source of survival and hope, helping them navigate the complexities of life in exile. For many, the connection to their community and the shared experience of injustice provides a foundation that allows them to continue their work. They remain committed to advocating for the hundreds of political prisoners who are still detained, viewing their own release not as a final victory but as a step in a much longer struggle.

The forward question for these defenders is whether accountability can be achieved for the injustices they have suffered. Their narratives suggest that while the physical barriers of prison have been removed, the political and psychological barriers remain. The path forward is uncertain, marked by the tension between the desire to return home and the necessity of staying away for safety. Their stories serve as a reminder that for many, freedom is not the end of the story, but a fragile and contested space that must be constantly defended.