Natalia Project Participant Nasta Loika released from Belarusian prison
Civil Rights Defenders welcomes the news that human rights defender Nasta Loika has been released from prison in Belarus as part of the country’s largest mass release of political prisoners to date. Nasta is a longstanding advocate for human rights in Belarus and an alarm bearer in the Natalia Project, the world’s first alarm and positioning system for human rights defenders at risk.
“We are deeply relieved that Nasta Loika is finally free. Her courage, resilience, and commitment to human rights have inspired countless people in Belarus and beyond. While we celebrate her release, it comes after years of unjust persecution. No one should ever be imprisoned for defending fundamental rights,” says Gabrielle Gunneberg, Global Department Director at Civil Rights Defenders.
Her release brings great relief to her colleagues, friends, and the wider human rights community. It marks the end of yet another unjust period of detention for a defender who has spent years facing pressure, harassment, and reprisals for her work.
A defender repeatedly targeted for her work
Nasta’s persecution has been emblematic of the broader pattern of repression in Belarus. She was previously detained in August 2021, when she activated her Natalia Project alarm after being apprehended in Minsk. She endured interrogations and accusations, including charges of “contributing to tax evasion”.
These measures have long been viewed as politically motivated attempts to stifle her voice and those of other defenders documenting abuses in the country.
Relief mixed with serious concern
Nasta’s release is long-awaited and deeply welcome. At the same time, concerns remain. More than a thousand political prisoners are still held in Belarus, many on trumped‑up charges or in harsh, isolated conditions.
There are also troubling patterns in how these releases are negotiated. Authoritarian governments increasingly use detained human rights defenders as political leverage in negotiations for sanctions relief or other benefits, treating them as bargaining chips rather than rights‑holders.
“Releases tied to political deals do not amount to justice. Political prisoners should never have been detained, and their freedom must come unconditionally,” says Gabrielle Gunneberg.
Standing with Nasta and with all defenders still detained
Nasta’s role as a Natalia Project participant has long underscored the risks she faced. The Natalia Project is designed to protect defenders working under extreme threat by providing immediate alert mechanisms and global visibility in the event of detention or attack.
Her release reminds us why such protection mechanisms exist—and why international solidarity remains essential.
Civil Rights Defenders reiterates its call on the Belarusian authorities to unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners and end the persecution of human rights defenders.
Read more about Nasta Loika’s imprisonment here.
