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.
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.
Belarus: Lukashenka pardons NEXTA editor Raman Pratasevich
On 3 May, Pratasevich was convicted of several criminal offences including organising mass protests, publicly calling for the seizure of state power and acts of terrorism. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Civil society groups reaffirm continued solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners
Marking the Day of the Political Prisoner in Belarus, civil society groups, IFEX among them, stress that they will continue to show unwavering support to the people of Belarus repressed for exercising their vital human rights and journalistic work.
Day of solidarity with Belarus’s political prisoners
Rights organisations will take part in a day of solidarity with Belarus’s political prisoners on 21 May. BAJ explains the importance of the day and provides a schedule of events.
Belarus: Prosecutor requests lengthy prison terms for ‘NEXTA’ trio
Belarusian prosecutor seeks 10 years for Raman Pratasevich, 19 years in absentia for Yan Rudzik, and 20 years in absentia for Stsypan Putsila.
Journalist Alyaksandr Mantsevich charged with ‘discrediting Belarus’
Mantsevich faces up to four years in prison if convicted of disseminating “knowingly false information discrediting Belarus and its authorities”.