Belarusian authorities use financial prosecution to de-motivate activists to participate in protest activity

Public Initiative “A Step towards the Law” started a petition requesting to stop the practice of imposing significant fines for participating in unsanctioned rallies. In fact, fines, according to activists totalling some USD 150,000, have become a heavy burden on civil and political activists. For instance, the authorities seized the car from ‘Malady Front’ leader Zmitser Dashkevich for unpaid fines totalling circa USD 5 000, they are threatening to take away the only apartment from activist Olga Nikolaichik, and the dacha of Nina Baginski. In response to the announced by the opposition several protest actions in support for those affected by the ‘decree on social parasitism’, the authorities have stepped up financial pressure on opposition activists. ‘A Step towards the Law’ initiative is unlikely to find an understanding with the authorities, because demonstrative confiscations and threats of penalties help to reduce the mobilization capacity of the opposition in organising protest actions.