“Bargaining Chips”: Belarusian Activist Mikola Dziadok on Political Imprisonment and the Fight for Freedom

Mikola Dziadok, a Belarusian activist, blogger, and journalist, has spent a decade in prison for his pro-democracy work. In a new interview, he details the brutal repression in Belarus, the recent limited releases of political prisoners, and the crucial role of international support.

Amidst ongoing repression, Belarus saw the release of roughly 170 political prisoners in late 2025, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova, following diplomatic pressure. However, human rights groups warn these releases are strategic maneuvers by the regime – trading prisoners for concessions while over 1,200 remain unjustly detained.

Dziadok, arrested following the 2020 protests, explains his imprisonment stemmed from his refusal to remain silent. He ran Telegram and YouTube channels providing analysis and guidance on resisting authoritarian rule, a direct threat to the Lukashenko regime.

“I was imprisoned because I belonged to the category of those who spoke publicly,” he states.

The 2020 uprising, Dziadok explains, was ignited by years of fraudulent elections and the government’s disastrous handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a surge in self-reliant civil society initiatives. But it was the brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters – over 7,000 detained and subjected to violence and torture in the first two days – that galvanised mass mobilization.

The situation for political prisoners remains dire. Over 50,000 Belarusians have been detained since 2020,with nearly 4,000 officially recognised as political prisoners. Dziadok himself endured ten years in jail, including 2.5 years in solitary confinement, a tactic he describes as “deliberate torture.”

His recent release was not a sign of reform, but another calculated political transaction.“Lukashenko has always used political prisoners as bargaining chips,” Dziadok reveals.He was abruptly removed from prison, hooded, and transported to the Lithuanian border under armed guard, stripped of his passport and forced into exile. He fears for the safety of family members still in Belarus, acknowledging that repression frequently enough extends to relatives.

Looking forward, Dziadok urges the international community to maintain pressure on Belarus, avoid normalization without real change, and financially support independent Belarusian human rights organizations and media.

“Moast importantly,” he concludes, “activists should not lose hope. We are making history. Dictatorships fall and fear eventually breaks.Freedom always returns – but only if we hold fast to our values and sustain the struggle.”

Connect with Mikola Dziadok:

* Website

* Facebook

* Instagram

Related Coverage:

* ‘Belarus is closer than ever to totalitarianism, with closed civic space and repression a part of daily life’ CIVICUS lens | Interview with Human Rights House 14.Oct.2025
* Belarus: ‘The work of human rights defenders in exile is crucial in keeping the democratic movement alive’ CIVICUS Lens | Interview with Natallia Satsunkevich 15.Feb.2025

What were the reasons behind Mikola Dziadok’s imprisonment, and how has he contributed to belarusian resistance after his release?

Mikola Dziadok: From Political Prisoner to Beacon of Belarusian Resistance

Mikola Dziadok’s name has become synonymous with unwavering defiance in the face of Belarusian authoritarianism. His story, spanning years of political activism, imprisonment, and continued resistance, embodies the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus. This article delves into his journey, highlighting key events and his enduring impact on the Belarusian opposition movement.

Early activism and Anarchist Roots

Dziadok’s involvement in political activism began in the early 2000s, rooted in anarchist and anti-fascist ideologies. He was a prominent figure within the Belarusian anarchist movement, actively participating in protests against the Lukashenko regime and advocating for social justice. This early period saw him involved in organizing demonstrations, distributing self-reliant information, and challenging the government’s repressive policies.

* He was a key member of the “razam” (Together) solidarity movement, focusing on supporting political prisoners and promoting human rights.

* his activism often centered around challenging the state’s control over information and fostering independent thought.

* Early actions included graffiti protesting political repression and participation in street demonstrations.

The 2010 Presidential Election and Subsequent Arrest

The 2010 Belarusian presidential election, widely condemned as fraudulent, proved a turning point. Dziadok actively participated in protests following the election results, which saw alexander Lukashenko declared the winner for a fourth term. These protests were met with brutal repression by the Belarusian authorities.

On March 3, 2010, Dziadok was arrested and accused of participating in the disturbances during the post-election protests on December 19, 2010, near Independence Square in Minsk. The charges were based largely on witness testimony obtained under duress and lacked concrete evidence. This arrest marked the beginning of a lengthy and politically motivated imprisonment.

Years of Imprisonment and Hunger Strikes

Dziadok was sentenced to four and a half years in a maximum-security penal colony. His time in prison was characterized by harsh conditions, systematic abuse, and repeated attempts to break his spirit. He endured prolonged periods in solitary confinement and faced constant pressure to confess to crimes he did not commit.

* Prolonged hunger strikes: Dziadok became known for his numerous hunger strikes, undertaken to protest the conditions of his imprisonment, demand medical care, and call for political reforms. These strikes, lasting for weeks and sometimes months, severely impacted his health. One particularly notable hunger strike in 2012 lasted 52 days.

* Denial of Medical Care: Throughout his imprisonment, Dziadok was repeatedly denied adequate medical attention, despite suffering from various health problems exacerbated by the harsh conditions and hunger strikes.

* Political Isolation: Authorities attempted to isolate him from the outside world, restricting his interaction with family and lawyers.

International Advocacy and Recognition

Dziadok’s case garnered international attention, with human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch campaigning for his release and highlighting the injustices he faced. He was designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.

* Amnesty International Campaigns: Amnesty International launched numerous urgent actions and petitions calling for his release and an inquiry into the allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

* European Parliament Resolutions: The European Parliament passed resolutions condemning his imprisonment and calling for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus.

* International Media Coverage: his story was featured in numerous international media outlets, raising awareness about the human rights situation in Belarus.

Release and Continued Activism

Mikola Dziadok was finally released from prison in August 2014, after serving over four years. However, his release did not signify an end to his activism. He immediately resumed his work with the Belarusian opposition, continuing to advocate for political change and human rights.

* Supporting Political Prisoners: He dedicated himself to supporting other political prisoners and their families, providing legal assistance and raising awareness about their cases.

* Participating in protests: He actively participated in protests and demonstrations against the Lukashenko regime, despite the risks involved.

* Online activism: He utilized social media and online platforms to disseminate information and mobilize support for the Belarusian opposition.

the 2020 Protests and Beyond

The widespread protests following the disputed 2020 presidential election saw dziadok once again at the forefront of the resistance movement. He actively participated in demonstrations and provided support to protesters facing arrest and persecution.

* Coordination of Support Networks: He played a crucial role in coordinating networks to provide legal aid, medical assistance, and financial support to those affected by the crackdown.

* Documenting Human Rights Abuses: He contributed to documenting and reporting on the widespread human rights abuses committed by the Belarusian authorities during the