News

On February 19, Access Now, Agora, Article 19, Human Constanta, International Media Support and Internet Protection Society raised serious concerns about the escalating human rights situation in Belarus, submitting detailed information to Anaïs Marin, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. The groups focused on internet shutdowns and website blocking, and the use of anti-extremism laws against civil society and the opposition — both of which are being initiated by authorities in the context of a larger endeavor to stifle freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Belarus. 

 Journalists of independent media were denied accreditation to the trial of Katsiaryna Barysevich and emergency hospital doctor Artsiom Sarokin. Today Barysevich and Sarokin are standing trial for disclosure of information about the condition of Raman Bandarenka, that his blood alcohol level was zero at the time when he got into hospital after being severely beaten.

Journalists Daria Chultsova and Katsiaryna Andreyeva were sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment this morning.

February 17, the trial of Belsat journalists Daria Chultsova and Katsiaryna Andreyeva is under way. Hearing of arguments and the last statement of the defendants are expected today.

Early in the morning of February 16th the press secretary of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Barys Haretski sent out the message that the security forces had come for him. Later, they also came to the BAJ’s lawyer Aleh Aheyeu and the chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Andrei Bastunets who was taken to witness the search in the office. In addition, searches of journalists and human rights activists in different cities are also being carried out. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet been able to provide a substantial comment.

Belsat reporters Lubou Luniova and Dzmitry Buyanau (Soltan) were detained on the job on 8 February. The police detained him for alleged disorderly conduct (Art. 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences). February 10 Judge Maryna Fiodarava sentenced the journalists to administrative arrests: 10 days to Lubou, and 15 days -- to Dzmitry.