Human Constanta Statement as to the Detention of Nasta Lojka: “Her detention is yet another example of repressions against human rights defenders in Belarus”

On September 6, human rights defender Nasta Lojka was detained in Minsk city court together with relatives of persons sentenced to imprisonment, as well as diplomatic personnel. The reasons for the detention remain unknown; on September 7, Nasta was sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest.

In connection with the detention of a human rights activist, Human Constanta has issued a statement. According to the organization, Nasta Lojka has already been persecuted for her human rights activity: since August 2021, she has been a suspect in a criminal case related to the activities of Human Rights Center “Viasna”.

Human Constanta notes that, by persecuting human rights defenders for performing their professional duties, Belarus violates the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Declaration on human rights defenders), OSCE Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, OSCE Joint Guidelines on Freedom of Association.

“We also call upon the international community to make use of all available international accountability mechanisms to put an end to repressions in Belarus.”