“Being in captivity is like being buried alive”: First words of released Belarusian journalists
The Belarusian Association of Journalists collected the first photos and first words from colleagues who had been behind bars until last week.
Pro-Russian propaganda on Belarusian state television. January–February 2026
State TV channels seek to reinforce the perception that the system is stable, and that a strong leader rules the country in a hostile environment, with Russia’s support.
Silenced voices: 22 journalists spend World Press Freedom Day behind bars in Belarus
Twenty-two media representatives remain in Belarusian prisons for their work.
Journalist Andrzej Poczobut exchanged at Belarus-Poland border
In 2021, journalist Andrzej Poczobut was charged with a criminal case for “incitement of national and religious hatred.”
Belarus: Sports journalist Dzmitry Selviastruk released
The journalist was detained in May 2023 and charged criminally with facilitating extremist activities.
Belarus: Authorities seize and sell apartment of journalist convicted in absentia for “extremism”
Journalist Uladzimir Khilmanovich left his homeland in 2021 due to the threat of criminal prosecution for his professional and civic activities.
Major release: 250 political prisoners freed in Belarus, including key journalists
Among those released early and deported are journalist Katsiaryna Bakhvalava (Andreyeva), blogger Eduard Palchys, and human rights defenders Valiantsin Stefanovich, Marfa Rabkova, and Nasta Loika.
Belarus: Journalist Pavel Dabravolski sentenced to 9 years in prison
Dabravolski’s trial took place behind closed doors in Minsk. He was convicted of “high treason” and had been in pre-trial detention for over a year.
Belarus: Radio host and musician Aleh Khamenka sentenced to 3 years in prison
Aleh Khamenka was convicted of “facilitating extremist activities” based on his ongoing collaboration with the newsroom of “Belarusian Radio Racyja”.
Two journalists handed draconian prison sentences on politically-motivated charges
Journalists Uladzimir Yanukevich and Andrei Pakalenka were convicted behind closed doors of high treason and sentenced to 14 and 12 years in prison respectively. The substance of the charges against them remains unknown.
Belarus: Daughter of jailed journalist recognised as political prisoner
Yanina Pazniak was arrested last year together with her father, journalist Kiryl Pazniak, and accused of “extremism.” Belarusian rights groups call for her release, and for all political prisoners to be freed.
Belarus: Journalist Vatslau Areshka has lost almost all his vision in prison
Areshka, 71, is a political scientist, journalist and labour union activist. He was detained in April 2022 for “actively participating in independent trade union activities”. Human rights defenders categorise him as an extremely vulnerable prisoner due to his health.
Belarusian propagandists to be trained in combating fake news with EU funds
BAJ reports that Belarusian state-run media employees are being invited to the capital of Bulgaria for an event titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Fight Against Fake News.”
RSF uncovers new spyware from Belarus
“By deploying surveillance technologies such as ResidentBat, the Belarusian state is pursuing a deliberate strategy of repression against independent journalism” – RSF