Belarus conducts more than 40 raids targeting activists, journalists

• The Viasna center has been monitoring human rights in Belarus for about a quarter-century, per AP. Authorities revoked its credentials in 2003 and arrested its leader in 2012.

The big picture: Last week, authorities conducted more than 30 raids targeting journalists and media organizations, as Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko continues his crackdown on the country's pro-democracy movement.

• A total of 39 journalists are currently behind bars, either awaiting court appearances or convicted to prison terms, per AP.
• Belarus’ State Security Committee said earlier this month it was conducting an operation to "purge radically-minded individuals."
• Lukashenko on Tuesday vowed to bring to justice 1,500 NGOs and journalists he alleged were "funded from abroad" and "effectively promoting terror."

Catch up quick: Belarusians have been protesting against Lukashenko for nearly a year, after the man known as "Europe's last dictator" claimed a sixth term through a rigged election in August.