Belarusian Authorities Intensify Crackdown on 'Belarusian Hajun' Channel Affiliates, Dozens Detained

Mass Arrests Target 'Belarusian Hajun' Network

Belarusian authorities have launched a widespread crackdown on individuals associated with the independent Telegram monitoring channel 'Belarusian Hajun,' leading to the detention of at least 88 people. The human rights organization Viasna has verified these detentions, though they believe the actual number of those arrested could be significantly higher, potentially reaching hundreds across the country. The arrests are primarily concentrated in the Gomel region but extend nationwide.

The Role of 'Belarusian Hajun'

Belarusian Hajun emerged as a critical independent monitoring project, gaining prominence at the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Its primary function was to provide round-the-clock reporting on Russian and Belarusian troop movements, equipment transfers, and military activities within Belarus. The channel, named after a mythical forest spirit from Belarusian folklore, became an important source of information for Belarusian, Ukrainian, and international media outlets. Belarusian authorities have since declared the project an 'extremist organization.'

Escalation Following Data Breach and Legal Ramifications

The current wave of arrests intensified after an unauthorized breach in early February 2025 exposed chats with the channel's bot, which was used for collecting user reports. This breach compromised the personal data of contributors, making them vulnerable to identification. Following the hack, Belarusian Hajun suspended its operations on February 7, 2025. Detainees are being charged under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to 'facilitating extremist activity.' Human rights defenders report that trials are occurring almost daily, with sentences varying from several years in prison to 'chemistry' (open-type correctional facilities).

International Response and Broader Context of Repression

The crackdown has drawn international condemnation. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly criticized the arrests, stating they are part of an effort by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko to create an 'exchange fund' for political leverage. The MFA urged the international community to increase pressure on the Belarusian regime, emphasizing that such actions constitute 'systematic and gross violations of human rights.' This event is seen within the broader context of an ongoing and severe suppression of dissent and independent media in Belarus, a pattern that has intensified since the disputed 2020 presidential elections.