Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad

Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — More than a half-million Belarusians have fled their country since 2020 as the authoritarian government cracked down its critics. Some of them, however, are discovering they can’t escape intimidation and threats in their new lives abroad. Criminal cases have been opened against some of them inside Belarus, and they are fighting extradition. One athlete who sought asylum after the Tokyo Olympics reported being followed and threatened. Passports cannot be renewed abroad, forcing them to return home and possibly be arrested. Opposition leaders say it’s part of a campaign by hard-line President Alexander Lukashenko against dissidents outside the country. He is seeking another term next year and wants to head off any opposition at home or abroad.