Documentary Exhibition «Justice in the Name of Life» (on the 80th Anniversary of the Minsk Trial for Crimes Committed by Nazi Occupiers in Belarus)

On January 15, 2026, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus opened a documentary exhibition, «Justice in the Name of Life», (on the 80th Anniversary of the Minsk Trial for Crimes Committed by Nazi Occupiers in Belarus). The exhibition was prepared by the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus (NARB) and the Belarusian State Archive of Film, Photo, and Sound Documents.

Eighty years ago, on January 15, 1946, the Minsk Trial for the Crimes Committed by Nazi Criminals in Belarus began, later known as the «Minsk Nuremberg». The courtroom was packed to capacity for the proceedings, which began in the House of the Red Army. The event was widely covered in the national press. Eighteen war criminals, who held various military ranks, from privates to generals, were brought to trial. They were united by their involvement in crimes against the Belarusian people. During the war, they led and actively participated in punitive expeditions, which included mass shootings, robberies, and violence against civilians, including burning them alive, and the destruction of numerous villages and hamlets.

The trial lasted until January 27, after which the parties began their closing arguments. Much of the hearing on January 28 was devoted to the defense, who argued that the defendants were undoubtedly guilty, but deserved leniency because, firstly, they had repented and, secondly, they were only following the orders of their country’s highest leadership. Subsequently, the defendants were given the right to make the final statement.

The verdict was announced on January 29 and was met with applause. The Military Tribunal found each defendant guilty of their crimes. Fourteen war criminals were sentenced to death by hanging. The executions were carried out on January 30 in the presence of a large crowd of citizens.

The exhibition features the following documents from the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus: the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Bolsheviks) of Belarus on the organization of the trial of Nazi war criminals; the transcript of the trial of atrocities committed by Nazi war criminals in the Byelorussian SSR; criminal case materials against accused Nazi war criminals, and others.

Employees of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus viewed the exhibition.

1. Documentary exhibition «Justice in the Name of Life» at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus

2. Archival documents on display

3. Archival documents on display

4. Archival documents on display

5. Employees of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus viewing the exhibition of archival documents