Belarus’ authoritarian leader tightens control over the country’s religious groups

By YURAS KARMANAU
Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a law into effect that significantly tightens control over various religious denominations and organizations. The law, published on the presidential website this week, mandates all denominations and religious groups to reapply for state registration, which authorities reserve the right to refuse. It’s the latest step in a crackdown on dissent, which intensified after a disputed presidential election in 2020 gave the authoritarian leader a sixth term in office. The government arrested more than 35,000 amid protests that denounced the vote as rigged. Analysts say Belarusian authorities are seeking to tighten control over the entire public sphere ahead of parliamentary elections set for next month and a presidential vote in 2025.