Georgia denies asylum to Belarusian rights activist

August 9, Pozirk. Georgia has denied political asylum to a prominent Belarusian human rights activist, citing sufficient grounds to believe that his presence runs counter to the country’s interests.

“Georgia sees me as a threat to its national security,” Raman Kislak told Pozirk, noting that the denial might be linked to his pickets against delays in considering his application.

“Obviously, we are active civil society members, and the Georgian government is not eager to see us,” he added.

Kislak said he had been waiting for the reply longer than a year. He intends to appeal to court to have his Georgian residence permit extended because the validity of his Belarusian passport has expired.

In September 2023, Alaksandar Łukašenka banned Belarusian embassies and consulates from issuing passports and providing notary services to Belarusians abroad.

More than 50 Belarusians have applied for asylum in Georgia, Kislak said. Some have already appealed rejections.

Belarusians do not need visas to travel to Georgia and can stay there as long as they need but must leave the country at least once a year.

In April 2003, Georgian border guards denied entry to Jaŭhien Hacak, an activist of the Belarusian Diaspora in Ajara.

Also read: Belarusians hold picket in Tbilisi