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The repression of journalists continues to intensify in Belarus, in a context of passivity on the part of the international community. On 2 March, at 4 p.m., the Moskovsky District Court of Minsk announced its verdict. It convicted TUT.BY journalist Katerina Borisevich and doctor Artem Sorokin. They are accused of disclosing medical secrets. Katerina Borisevich was sentenced to six months in prison and a fine, Artem Sorokin to two years in prison with a one-year suspension and a fine. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) strongly condemns a court decision that violates press freedom and freedom of access to information. The EFJ once again calls on the international community to intervene to put an end to the repeated violations of the rule of law in Belarus.

Belarusian Association of Journalists strongly condemns the court decision on the case of journalist Katsiaryna Barysevich and doctor Artsiom Sarokin They were found guilty of disclosing a medical secret (part 3 of article 178 — "Disclosure of medical secrets, which led to grave consequences").

In response to today’s sentencing of Belarusian journalist Katsiaryna Barysevich to six months in jail and a fine over her coverage of protests in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement:

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On February 19, Access Now, Agora, Article 19, Human Constanta, International Media Support and Internet Protection Society raised serious concerns about the escalating human rights situation in Belarus, submitting detailed information to Anaïs Marin, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. The groups focused on internet shutdowns and website blocking, and the use of anti-extremism laws against civil society and the opposition — both of which are being initiated by authorities in the context of a larger endeavor to stifle freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Belarus. 

On Tuesday (23.02.21)  Zmitser Soltan walked free after having served 15 days of administrative arrest. Today he got out of the remand prison in the Belarusian town of Zhodzina.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists is a registered organization that strictly follows the legislation and its Statute, and protects the rights and legitimate interests of its members. BAJ is a member of the International and European Federations of Journalists, and IFEX network, and we thank our colleagues around the world for their solidarity and support.

Doctor of the Minsk BSMP (emergency hospital) Artsiom Sarokin and TUT.BY  journalist Katsiaryna Barysevich were detained exactly three months ago — on November 19, 2020. The Prosecutor General's Office claims, they disclosed a medical secret about the condition of Raman Bandarenka, which entailed serious consequences, namely, " increasing tension in society and creating an atmosphere of distrust of the competent state bodies." Today, their case is heard by Maskouski district court of Minsk. Both defendants face up to three years in prison.

 Journalists of independent media were denied accreditation to the trial of Katsiaryna Barysevich and emergency hospital doctor Artsiom Sarokin. Today Barysevich and Sarokin are standing trial for disclosure of information about the condition of Raman Bandarenka, that his blood alcohol level was zero at the time when he got into hospital after being severely beaten.

Two Belarusian journalists sentenced to two years in prison for doing their job.

Belarusian Association of Journalists strongly condemns the court verdict on the case of Belsat journalists Daria Chultsova and Katsiaryna Andreyeva (Bakhvalava).

Journalists Daria Chultsova and Katsiaryna Andreyeva were sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment this morning.

February 17, the trial of Belsat journalists Daria Chultsova and Katsiaryna Andreyeva is under way. Hearing of arguments and the last statement of the defendants are expected today.

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) demands Belarusian authorities to stop immediately the persecution of journalists and the prosecution of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ).

Early in the morning of February 16th the press secretary of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Barys Haretski sent out the message that the security forces had come for him. Later, they also came to the BAJ’s lawyer Aleh Aheyeu and the chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Andrei Bastunets who was taken to witness the search in the office. In addition, searches of journalists and human rights activists in different cities are also being carried out. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet been able to provide a substantial comment.