News
Belarusian media workers behind bars. Portraits
As campaigning for the 2020 elections began, the Belarusian authorities launched a war on journalists and independent media. They were stripped of their press cards, beaten, shot with rubber bullets, arrested and detained for weeks, and charged with criminal offenses. Since then, journalists have been arrested on more than 500 occasions. The Belarusian Association of Journalists monitors all cases of harassment of journalists and media workers. Below, you will find information on those imprisoned on criminal charges.
Vyachaslau Lazarau has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison, while his wife, Tatsiana Pytsko, has received a three-year sentence
Vyachaslau Lazarau, a freelance videographer from Vitsebsk, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison, while his wife, Tatsiana Pytsko, has received a three-year sentence.
Belarusian propagandist attempts to infiltrate democratic milieux in Vilnius and Warsaw
Herman Napolski regularly attends press conferences and official events and is familiar to Belarusian journalists.
Formerly imprisoned journalist Siarhei Hardzievich detained at border crossing
According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists' source, Siarhei Hardzievich was detained on September 14 at the Brest border checkpoint as he was returning to Belarus from Poland.
Rehijanalnaja Hazeta chief editor to be tried on September 27
Aliaksandr Mantsevich, Rehijanalnaja Hazeta’s chief editor, will be tried in Maladzechna. Judge Aliaksei Irshyn will preside over the case, reports the Viasna Human Rights Center. Mantsevich was arrested on March 15 after his house in Vileika was searched and has been in custody ever since. The journalist is charged with discrediting the state.
Postcards for Maryna: RSF launches global campaign action in support of jailed Belarusian journalist Maryna Zolatava
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is launching a new global action as part of its ongoing campaign for the release of jailed Belarusian journalist Maryna Zolatava. Supporters around the world are encouraged to send letters and cards in solidarity with Zolatava, to be delivered to the Belarusian embassies in several countries on 6 November, Zolatava’s 46th birthday.
Important news. Lukashenka ordered the Belarusian embassies to stop issuing passports. Another threat to colleagues
Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka has ordered the country’s embassies to stop issuing passports to Belarusians living abroad.
Court sentences Larysa Shchyrakova to 3.5 years in prison
On August 31, Homel Regional Court announced the sentence of former journalist and local historian Larysa Shchyrakova – 3.5 years in prison. Shchyrakova was accused of “discrediting the Republic of Belarus” and “promoting extremist activities”.
Nasha Niva chief editor released from prison
Today, a new post appeared on Yahor Martsinovich’s Facebook page.
Kanstantsin Zalatykh, Belorusy i Rynok director, transferred to Navapolatsk correctional facility
Kanstantsin Zalatykh, the ex-director of the Belorusy i Rynok newspaper, was sent to Navapolatsk Correctional Facility on July 21. This happened after the dismissal of his appeal by the Supreme Court.
Andrzej Poczobut awarded Jan Karski Mission Medal
Journalist Andrzej Poczobut, sentenced to 8 years in prison, has been awarded the Polish Jan Karski Mission Medal, reports Belsat.
Andrei Skurko, head of Nasha Niva's advertising and marketing department, released from prison
"What a happy day!" his wife Paulina wrote on Facebook today.