Belarusian civil society and NGOs continue to operate and function under restrained legal conditions and despite the many obstacles generated by the state. The Belarusian authorities have learned several lessons in the past, and now, when relations with the Western world are crucial, they are trying to impose half-measures and achieve a balance between making certain concessions and holding trials against the most active protestors. Most likely, this policy will continue so long as the Belarusian regime is interested in preserving its positive image and acquiring western financial support in the light of deteriorating relations with its long-time partner – Russia.
Our author, Veranika Laputska, is Research Fellow at the EAST (Eurasian States in Transition) Center in Warsaw.
