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For over five years, Press Club Belarus, an Associate Member of the International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC) since 2016, has contributed to the Belarusian media community's development, promoted journalistic standards, and acted as a discussion platform. We have organised dozens of lectures and masterclasses with world-renowned experts and facilitated numerous initiatives to develop quality journalism in Belarus.

Attacks on independent media in Belarus continue. On December 22, police burst into apartment of the Press Club Program Director Alla Sharko. She managed to inform BAJ that the police were breaking her door. Press Club Director Siarhei Alsheuski's apartment was also searched. Another search took place at the apartment of Press Club Academy Director Siarhei Yakupau. The police also came with a search warrant to the Press Club office. Its founder Yulia Slutskaya was detained today upon her arrival at the Minsk National Airport.  All Press Club representatives whose homes were serached today were detained for 72 hours, reports TUT.BY.

On December 16, BAJ chairman Andrei Bastunets will have to come to the Central office of the Investigative Committee of Belarus for interrogation.

At least 274 journalists imprisoned globally despite COVID-19 risks in jail.

On Sunday, November 29, police detained journalists in Minsk and Brest during the coverage and after the protests.

Six journalists are targeted by criminal investigation under Article 342 part 1 of the Criminal Code "organizing and preparing activities that seriously breach public order". They face punishment from a fine to three years of imprisonment. Another three journalists are suspects in other criminal cases. This is unprecedented pressure on journalists.

Belsat camerawoman Daria Chultsova was not released after 7 days of arrest. On November 15, she worked with another Belsat journalist, Katsyaryna Andreeva, streaming from "Square of Changes". They were detained and judged together on the same day. Both were given 7 days of arrest.

The Prosecutor General's office announced the initiation of a criminal case due to "disclosure of medical secrets" and "providing false information" on the death of Raman Bandarenka. Its press service reported, "the suspects have been detained." Security forces came for TUT.BY journalist Katsiaryna Barysevich, who wrote about Raman Bandarenka.