Archive
21.12.2022
Criminal proceedings against journalist Dashchynski dismissed
The criminal prosecution of journalist Ales Dashchynski has been terminated. His pledge not to leave the country is no longer binding, and the items seized during the search were returned to him, reports BAJ.
21.12.2022
Art historian and theater critic Aliaksei Strelnikau dies suddenly
Art historian, theater critic, and journalist Aliaksei Strelnikau died unexpectedly at the age of 39, reported his colleagues and friends.
21.12.2022
In jail, in exile, or burned out. State of Belarusian independent media as we head into 2023
As the crackdown on independent media in Belarus continues for a third consecutive year, the state of journalism in the country is dire. With only a handful of independent journalists remaining within the country working anonymously, and 32 of their colleagues behind bars, the future of journalism in Belarus looks bleak. The Fix analysed the state of Belarusian independent media at the end of 2022 – and tried to find bright spots.
21.12.2022
Number of jailed journalists spikes to new global record
The number of journalists jailed around the world set yet another record in 2022. In a year marked by conflict and repression, authoritarian leaders doubled down on their criminalization of independent reporting, deploying increasing cruelty to stifle dissenting voices and undermine press freedom.
13.12.2022
Journalist Larysa Shchyrakova charged with discrediting Belarus
A criminal case was filed against former journalist Larysa Shchyrakova for allegedly discrediting Belarus (Article 369-1 of the Criminal Code), RFE/RL Belarus reports.
10.12.2022
CPJ: ex-journalist Larysa Shchyrakova detained in Belarus on undisclosed charges
Belarusian authorities should publicly disclose the reason for former Belsat TV journalist Larysa Shchyrakova’s arrest or release her immediately, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday.
09.12.2022
Son of detained ex-journalist found in orphanage. His father about to arrive from Siberia
Former journalist Larysa Shchyrakova has been in Homel temporary detention center for three days now, and her minor son Sviataslau was found in a repair for children in the settlement of Biarozki in Homel District. This is just 1.5 km away from his home.
09.12.2022
Underground regional press network declared extremist formation
The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs recognized Vesniki, "a group of citizens united on social media and distributing regional printed publications" as an extremist formation.
09.12.2022
“Belarus has become one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.” Interview with Jeanne Cavelier representing Reporters Without Borders
In the World Press Freedom Index, Belarus ranks 153 out of 180. In terms of the number of journalists in detention, it is one of the five countries with the worst situation in the world. Both rankings are based on the findings of Reporters Without Borders. In an interview with BAJ, Jeanne Cavelier, head of this NGO’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk, shared how the situation in Belarus is currently assessed.
08.12.2022
Former National TV journalist sentenced to 4 years in prison
Dzmitry Luksha, a former Belarusian TV journalist and freelance correspondent for Kazakhstan’s Khabar 24 TV channel, was sentenced by Minsk City Court to 4 years in prison. His wife Palina Palavinka will spend 2.5 years behind bars.