Repression and resistance in Belarus: A monthly chronology
A monthly chronology of repression and resistance in Belarus, based on the work of IFEX members and other international and domestic actors.
IPI calls for stronger safeguards to prevent misuse of spyware against journalists
IPI calls for an end to the use of spyware against journalists in Europe, following revelations that seven more Russian and Belarusian journalists and activists in exile in Europe were targeted by Pegasus spyware.
Belarus’s widespread crackdown on human rights lawyers
Justice Ministry exercises full control over the legal profession; human rights lawyers face arrest, imprisonment, arbitrary revocation of licences and harassment.
Serbia: Court must free Belarusian journalist and prevent his deportation
Andrey Gniot has been in custody in Serbia since October, when he was arrested on dubious charges formulated by the Lukashenka regime. The High Court of Belgrade is deliberating upon whether to deport him to Belarus.
Belarusian and Lithuanian journalists’ day of solidarity with journalists jailed in Belarus
“Belarus has absolutely no freedom of speech and virtually no independent media. A small number of independent publications, struggling to survive, have fallen under a wave of purges and repressions over the past year” – BAJ
Belarus takes more than 20 “extremist” news websites offline
On 4 April, Belarusian authorities announced they would cancel the domain names of news websites they labelled as “extremist”. At least 20 websites have been affected so far.
Tajik authorities should release activist Nizomiddin Nasriddinov and drop charges against him
While crossing the Lithuanian border in January, Nasriddinov was arrested by Belarusian authorities at the request of Tajik authorities. In February, Belarus agreed to send him to Tajikistan.
Belarus: Journalist Larysa Shchyrakova sentenced to 3.5 years in prison
Authorities accused Shchyrakova of “discrediting Belarus” and facilitating “extremism” by sharing information with human rights group Viasna and broadcaster Belsat TV, both banned in Belarus.
An IFEX Q&A with the Belarusian Association of Journalists: Defending press freedom is a marathon, not a sprint
As the country marks the third anniversary of manipulated elections that kept “Europe’s last dictator” in power – and the launch of a brutal crackdown – we spoke with BAJ about their ongoing global Solidarity Marathon on behalf of imprisoned journalists.
Belarus: New law allows for bans on foreign media
The new law enables the Ministry of Information to ban the activities of foreign media in Belarus “in the event of unfriendly actions by foreign states against Belarusian media”.
Belarusian authorities should end ill-treatment of political prisoner Maria Kalesnikava
Opposition politician Kalesnikava is being held in solitary confinement and is not receiving adequate medical care despite serious health problems. She is being denied essential foods and medicines.
Belarus: Journalist Yauhen Merkis sentenced to four years in prison
“Authorities should drop all charges against Merkis, release him immediately alongside all other imprisoned journalists, and stop retaliating against members of the press for their reporting” – CPJ
BAJ delegation participates in Belarus Freedom of Expression Coordination Group meeting
The group is committed to advocating for discussions on the situation in Belarus at the international level, providing support for independent media, and protecting journalists.
Over 100 Nobel Laureates join PEN International in support of Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski
Ales Bialiatski has dared to hold President Lukašenka accountable for his brutal, relentless, and systematic crackdown on independent voices. For this, he is paying the heaviest price: ten years in prison on spurious grounds.