Armenian Blogger Jailed in Belarus Over Azerbaijan Complaints Returns to Yerevan

An Armenian blogger, Bella Babakhanyan, has returned to Armenia after being detained in Belarus for 14 days. Her arrest sparked widespread concern, as many believed she was targeted for her outspoken defense of Armenian interests and her debates with Azerbaijanis on social media. The Armenian Report was at the airport tonight to greet the Armenian activist and interview her.

Bella Babakhanyan, who holds both Armenian and Belarusian citizenship, was reportedly arrested on February 14 in Belarus. News of her detention was first shared by journalist and blogger Alexander Lapshin, who cited sources from the Belarusian Embassy in Armenia.

According to reports, Babakhanyan faced multiple charges under the Belarusian Criminal Code, including inciting national and religious hatred, spreading war propaganda, slander, insulting government officials, and making threats. While Belarusian authorities did not release an official statement, speculation grew that her arrest was influenced by Azerbaijan, following complaints about her online activity.

Before her detention, Babakhanyan had expressed concerns that Azerbaijani individuals and groups were targeting her. She claimed that Azerbaijanis had significant influence in Belarus and that she feared an eventual arrest and possible extradition to Azerbaijan.

As news of her detention spread, efforts to secure her release intensified. Armenian businessman and political figure Gagik Tsarukyan stepped in to provide legal and diplomatic support. His spokesperson, Iveta Tonoyan, confirmed that Tsarukyan had used his connections to assess the situation and offer assistance to Babakhanyan.

"Our compatriot found herself in a difficult situation, and Gagik Tsarukyan considered it his duty to use all possible methods, diplomatic channels, and personal connections to ensure she received the necessary legal and other support," Tonoyan stated.

On February 23, Babakhanyan was released and returned to Armenia. Speaking to reporters, she explained that her arrest was linked to a video she had filmed in Yerevan near the grave of Armenian military commander Andranik Ozanian. In the video, she had made a statement that angered Azerbaijanis:

"Andranik, you should have destroyed everyone at the time so that there wouldn't be a Yerablur today."

Yerablur is a military cemetery in Armenia where soldiers who died in wars, including the Nagorno-Karabakh war, are buried. The video reportedly led to complaints from Azerbaijanis, which may have contributed to her arrest.

When asked by The Armenian Report whether she planned to continue speaking out despite the risks, Babakhanyan gave a firm response:

"I’m going to keep speaking up."

She also revealed that she is considering staying in Armenia permanently, as she believes other countries have become increasingly unsafe for her work and activism.

Babakhanyan’s arrest has reignited concerns over the influence of Azerbaijan in countries like Belarus and the broader issue of freedom of speech for Armenian activists abroad.

Her case shows the dangers faced by individuals who engage in political discussions online, especially in regions where geopolitical tensions are high.

While she is now safe in Armenia, Babakhanyan’s story serves as a reminder of the risks that come with speaking out on controversial issues. 

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The relationship between Belarus and Armenia, as well as Belarus and Azerbaijan, has taken a sharp turn in recent years, reflecting shifting geopolitical alignments. The latest diplomatic tensions show a deepening divide between Armenia and Belarus while strengthening ties between Belarus and Azerbaijan.

Belarus and Armenia: A Strained Relationship

Relations between Belarus and Armenia have deteriorated significantly. In June 2024, Armenia recalled its ambassador from Minsk after it was revealed that Belarus had supplied advanced military technology to Azerbaijan between 2018 and 2022. This move angered Yerevan, given that both Armenia and Belarus are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan went as far as declaring, "I will never visit Belarus as long as Alexander Lukashenko is its president." In response, Belarus recalled its ambassador from Armenia, with its Foreign Ministry accusing Pashinyan of attempting to distract from domestic issues.

This tension escalated during a Eurasian Economic Union summit in December 2024, where a heated exchange occurred between Pashinyan and Lukashenko. The Armenian leader refused to attend meetings in Belarus, citing Lukashenko’s open support for Azerbaijan as a major point of contention.

Belarus and Azerbaijan: Strengthening Alliances

Conversely, Belarus and Azerbaijan have deepened their cooperation, particularly in military and economic sectors. Between 2018 and 2022, Belarus played a key role in modernizing Azerbaijan's artillery and electronic warfare systems. In early 2025, the two nations expanded their strategic partnership, particularly in energy security. As Belarus lacks its own hydrocarbon reserves, it sees Azerbaijan as a vital ally in diversifying its energy sources.

Tsarukyan and Lukashenko

Gagik Tsarukyan, the leader of Armenia's Prosperous Armenia Party, and Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, have maintained a close personal friendship over the years. Their relationship has been marked by mutual visits and collaborative efforts to strengthen ties between Armenia and Belarus.

In 2010, during an informal summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Armenia, President Lukashenko met with Tsarukyan, highlighting their warm relations and ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

Their camaraderie extends beyond official meetings. In 2016, Tsarukyan gifted two rare white lion cubs to President Lukashenko's son, Nikolay. These cubs were later donated to the Minsk Zoo, where they became a notable attraction.

Tsarukyan has also publicly expressed his support for Lukashenko. Following the Belarusian presidential elections in 2020, he congratulated Lukashenko on his victory, referring to him as a "good friend and comrade."

Their relationship has occasionally intersected with political matters. In 2018, amid discussions about the CSTO Secretary General position, Tsarukyan's close ties with Lukashenko were noted. However, Tsarukyan chose not to intervene in the debates between Lukashenko and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, emphasizing the distinction between personal relationships and official state affairs.

Overall, the relationship between Gagik Tsarukyan and Alexander Lukashenko is characterized by personal friendship and mutual respect, occasionally influencing diplomatic and cultural exchanges between Armenia and Belarus.