Orwell would be surprised: why journalists are jailed in Belarus. Online briefing
On June 2, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. CET, there will be an online briefing via Zoom with the families and colleagues of journalists who are in prison for their professional work.
Mass repressions against journalists and freedom of speech continue in Belarus. In the context of the war in Ukraine, the persecution of the Belarusian media has increased. Searches with seizure, detentions with violence, kidnappings and closed trials are taking place all over the country.
Absurd charges are brought against journalists, such as photographing Russian military equipment, running “extremist formations”, and treason against the state. Moreover, new charges can be presented when a person is already serving a sentence in prison, as happened to Belsat TV channel journalist Katerina Andreeva.
Next closed trials of journalists, recognized as political prisoners, will be held from June 6, 2022. They face up to 15 years in prison.
Speakers:
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Igor Ilyash, husband of Katerina Andreeva, journalist
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Alexander Lukashuk, director of the Belarus Service of Radio «Liberty”
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Anastasiya Rouda, director of the newspaper «Nasha Niva”
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Sergei Pulsha, editor of the newspaper “Novy Chas”
Working languages: Belarusian, Russian, English (simultaneous interpretation)