We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Viktar Adzinochanka (Victor Odinochenko) — a Belarusian scholar, expert on religious freedom, and representative of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC) in the Homiel region until the organization was dissolved by the Ministry of Justice in 2021.
On May 15, Viktar Adzinochanka passed away. He was a Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Francysk Skaryna Homiel State University, a respected researcher, and a committed advocate for the Belarusian language, culture, and human rights. He was only 62 years old.
Originally from Rechytsa, Viktar Adzinochanka defended his PhD thesis in 1990 on the topic “The Concept of Culture in the Philosophy of José Ortega y Gasset.” He authored more than 170 scientific and methodological publications and was the first to publish a religious studies textbook in the Belarusian language.
Before the human rights crisis of 2020, Viktar Adzinochanka focused on issues of religious freedom, discrimination against religious minorities, and the right to alternative civilian service. One of the most high-profile cases related to the right to refuse military service with weapons occurred in the Homiel region during the 2010s. A short time later, a law on alternative service was adopted in Belarus.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew Viktar Alyaksandravich. May his memory be honored with light and dignity.
