Belarus: leaders of journalists’ organisations in Europe call on heads of governments to take action
25 March 2021
Leaders of 50 journalists’ unions and associations in 34 European countries today called on their governments to intensify pressure and take action in the face of constant violations of human rights and press freedom in Belarus. In a joint letter, they urge their head of government to demand from the Belarusian authorities the immediate release of the 12 imprisoned journalists and the withdrawal of administrative and criminal proceedings against Belarusian journalists.
On the initiative of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) the leaders of 50 journalists’ organisations in 34 countries in Europe today sent a joint letter to European Heads of State and Government about the situation in Belarus, on a very symbolic day.
Thursday 25 March, known as Freedom Day, is an unofficial public holiday marking Belarus’ 1918 declaration of independence. This year, it is expected to be marked with nationwide protests. On 25 March activists around the world will hold protests outside Belarusian embassies and share messages of solidarity with peaceful protesters. BAJ has called for solidarity with Belarusians on this day.
The co-signatories of the EFJ-BAJ letter express their “deep concern about the intensification of repression in Belarus. (…) Today, there are over 250 political prisoners in the country, including 12 journalists. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the fraudulent presidential elections of 9 August 2020, more than 30,000 people (including 480 journalists) have been detained, with many of them subjected to torture and ill-treatment, and over 1,000 people targeted by criminal prosecution.”
The following journalists are in jail at the moment:
Katsiaryna Barysevich
Katsiaryna Andreyeva
Daria Chultsova
Yulia Slutskaya
Alla Sharko
Siarhei Alsheuski
Petr Slutski
Ksenia Lutskina
Andrei Aliaksandrau
Dzianis Ivashyn
Yazep Palubiatka
Siarhei Hardzievich, house arrest
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