The ongoing political crisis in Belarus has attracted global attention since the controversial presidential election in August 2020. Alexandre Lukashenko, who has been in power for nearly three decades, claimed victory in the election, although many believe the results were the result of fraud. Since then, the country has witnessed a wave of mass demonstrations in which the Belarusian people demanded Lukashenko’s resignation. One year after the election, the situation in Belarus continues to escalate. The protests, which were initially peaceful, turned into clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The political opposition, led by figures such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is now on the run, facing the risk of arrest and intimidation. Arbitrary arrests, torture, and punishment of activists have become increasingly common, sparking international condemnation. In recent months, Belarus has also begun to forge closer ties with Russia. Although many Belarusians reject Moscow as a “satrap,” Lukashenko has increasingly relied on Russian aid to stabilize the struggling economy. This decision has created concerns about the possibility of deeper integration between the two countries, including a potential Russian military base in Belarus. Amidst all this, independent media in Belarus is struggling to survive amidst repression. Many journalists were imprisoned or forced to flee abroad. Social media has become an important platform for disseminating information and documenting human rights violations. However, with internet blocks and censorship, the challenges remain huge. From an economic perspective, Belarus is in a state of decline due to international sanctions and poor economic management. This economic crisis was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, where Lukashenko downplayed the danger of the virus. Dependence on state production sectors, such as tractor factories and heavy industry, is no longer sufficient to meet people’s needs. Meanwhile, the international community, including the European Union and the United States, has imposed sanctions on top Belarusian officials. This aims to pressure Lukashenko to meet democratic demands and stop repressive measures. However, the burden of these sanctions apparently had little impact on Lukashenko, who remains in power and ignores the voice of the people. New actions by Russia in support of the Lukashenko regime point to deeper instability in the region. The firm crackdown on political exiles and ongoing protests show that the people of Belarus have not given up their fight for freedom. Meanwhile, international sanctions and solidarity with the people of Belarus continue to be in the spotlight in global diplomacy. The political crisis in Belarus is a clear example of how human rights and authoritarian leadership clash. Political uncertainty, a deteriorating economy and violence continue to be key issues. This situation not only has implications for Belarus but also for European stability and broader international relations. The tensions in Belarus could become an impetus for broader changes in neighboring countries if people’s demands are not further ignored.