Call for renewed attention to the dire situation in Belarus

More than 35,000 people have been arbitrarily detained, including more than 500 journalists since the people’s protest movement refused to accept the rigged elections of August 2020. To date, 33 journalists are behind bars, amid poor conditions, many suffering from pressures and torture, and unable to do their jobs. As recently as two days ago, on February 7th, photographer Uladz Hrydzin was sentenced to 13 days in prison for "disobeying police orders". 

In the past 1,5 years, the authorities, the police and the courts proved to be the greatest source of danger for media professionals in Belarus. Since the elections in 2020, particularly during protests, journalists were even specifically targeted. The riot police beat, detained and sometimes tortured journalists, like they did to many protesters and political opponents. It is very common for journalists to be prosecuted through a “package” of allegations, followed by a detention for 72 hours, and a fine. However, the sentences and means of oppression are becoming harsher. The arrest of blogger Roman Protasevitch in May 2021 through a plane hijack introduced a new level of tyranny. Under pressure of torture he has been ‘turned’ by the authorities and forced to produce pro-government videos while under home arrest. 

The independent journalists and media workers in Belarus are under unprecedented pressure. On the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus, Free Press Unlimited therefore urges:

• the international community, especially the members of the Media Freedom Coalition, to keep up the pressure on Belarus, increase efforts to support independent media and journalists and do more to hold authorities to account that unlawfully arrest, detain and torture journalists; 

• the Belarusian authorities to release all members of the press, and stop the oppression to obstruct independent reporting on events. The Belarusian authorities must be held accountable for their gross violations of human rights;

• the international community to make respect for press freedom conditional in all your demands towards Belarus. If the Belarusian media disappears, there will be no one left to bring us the news about further grave violations of Belarusian lives. People need access to reliable information.

Photo: OMON officers detain students of the BSU Lyceum near the building of the Lyceum, by Vladislav Barysevich.