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In 2023, Belarusian journalists launched new projects, conducted investigations, and exceeded their targets. Meanwhile, they also faced personal problems such as the death of loved ones and burnout. Some took their first holiday in years. The Belarusian Association of Journalists interviewed representatives of the independent media to find out how they fared during the year.

August – November. DOWNLOAD PDF

Despite working in exile and being labeled as “extremist” by the Belarusian regime, BAJ initiated a high-profile solidarity action last year, continued to provide comprehensive assistance to journalists and editors and, backed by the European Federation of Journalists, resumed the Free Word Award. This is just a short list of what has been achieved. It’s time to review the year.

Today, the court decided to change the prisoner’s detention conditions, transferring him to a high-security prison for one year.

Reform.by’s editor-in-chief, Fiodar Pauliuchenka, explains why the project may be forced to close down.

According to his friends, he never returned from the interrogation at the KGB office that took place after the search of his house on December 5. His location is currently unknown.

Journalist Henadz Mazheika has been released from prison. This follows from the information posted on the website of the Viasna Human Rights Center.

The solidarity marathon, initiated by BAJ in May 2023, reached North America. Representatives of the global network for the protection and promotion of freedom of expression, IFEX, held a rally near Toronto City Hall. They came out with portraits of imprisoned Belarusian journalists. Thus, despite censors and dictators’ efforts, the truth thrives around the world.

She made the announcement on her Facebook page. Aksana Kolb served as editor-in-chief of the Novy Chas newspaper for over eight years, succeeding the newspaper’s founder Aliaksei Karol. However, the publication has been under new leadership, headed by Siarhei Pulsha, for a while now. The transition has been completed.

Andrei Lipski, a former employee of the Ranak media company based in Svetlahorsk, reported on his Facebook page a recent uptick in questioning and detainment of his former colleagues.

Today, on December 7, the Lithuanian Seimas traditionally hosts a free journalism forum. Our colleagues from the Baltic states and representatives of the Belarusian independent media gathered in Vilnius. As the chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists stressed, it is especially important now to remind about the isosceles triangle of Belarus — Belarusian independent journalism — Belarusian journalists behind bars and political prisoners in general.

This is reported by the Viasna Human Rights Center. Vyrvich formerly served as the editor-in-chief for the 6TV.by news outlet.

Lupach is a freelance journalist who fled Belarus two and a half years ago due to administrative harassment for working with independent media. In July 2021, just before his departure, he was detained for three days as part of a criminal case for allegedly inciting ethnic hatred.

This annual event took place on 7 December in the Lithuanian Parliament as part of the Free Journalism Forum. The award recognizes independent Belarusian journalists for their contribution to promoting freedom of expression.