2025: Belarus

24 January 2025: 15th International Day for Lawyers in Danger, dedicated to Belarus

24 January 2025 marks the 15th International Day for Lawyers in Danger. Since 2009, this event, celebrated simultaneously in many cities around the world, has drawn attention to the threats faced by the legal profession.

This year, the situation of lawyers in Belarus will be at the heart of this global mobilisation. These legal professionals, often on the front line in defending fundamental freedoms, face intimidation, arbitrary arrest, disbarment and even persecution for practising their profession.

The Observatory calls on civil society and public authorities to mobilise in support of this essential cause. Together, let us make the voices of Lawyers in Danger heard and support their fight for justice.

Join us to give this campaign maximum impact!

In Belarus:

• At least 11 lawyers are being prosecuted for their legal practice
• 6 lawyers are currently in prison – one of them is being held incommunicado
• 4 lawyers were allegedly tortured during detention and interrogation
• At least 3 lawyers were allegedly forced to film so-called “confession” videos in which they were forced to confess to committing illegal acts.
• At least 139 lawyers have been deprived of their right to practise their profession

Find out more about the situation of the legal profession in Belarus by consulting the OIAD BROCHURE available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Belarusian, and discover the context and organisation of the legal profession in Belarus.

                                                    

The Observatory drawn up a practical MOBILISATION KIT with ideas and materials for taking action in support of Belarusian lawyers and promoting this day, which is also available in several languages.

Download the Mobilisation Kit by clicking on the flags:

French	English	Spanish	Italian	German	Belarussian	Russian