#BecauseTheJournalist
France’s major media outlets support imprisoned Belarusian journalists
A group of independent Belarusian journalists in exile visited France and held several solidarity events in support of their imprisoned colleagues.
Former Director of Belorusy i Rynok Kanstantsin Zalatykh released from prison
The Belarusian Association of Journalists has learned that former director of the independent economic newspaper Belorusy i Rynok, Kanstantsin Zalatykh, was released on October 23 after serving his full prison term.
Andrzej Poczobut awarded the Sakharov Prize
Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut has received the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize, alongside imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
Journalist Pavel Dabravolski accused of treason
Pavel Dabravolski, a journalist detained in the Committee for State Security (KGB) jail, has been accused of high treason in connection with his professional activities and may face up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Former Media-Polesye journalist released from prison
Yauhen Nikalayevich has fully served his sentence of one and a half years for allegedly participating in the 2020 protests, although in reality, he was simply performing his professional duties as a journalist.
Andrzej Poczobut placed in SHU again for six months
According to information available to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, political prisoner and journalist Andrzej Poczobut was placed in a SHU (secure housing unit) on August 23 for six months, until February 2026.
Poczobut recovering from surgery, has heart issues
Andrzej Poczobut is experiencing serious health problems, including hypertension and arrhythmia, according to Andżelika Borys, head of the unofficial Union of Poles in Belarus. Borys shared the update with Newsweek Polska following a prison visit on September 23.
Journalist Kiryl Pazniak declared a political prisoner
Human rights groups have recognized journalist Kiryl Pazniak, detained in early September this year, as a political prisoner. The joint statement by Belarusian human rights organizations was published today, September 17. In total, the list names 17 new political prisoners.
Journalist Ihar Ilyash sentenced to four years in prison
The Minsk City Court has sentenced journalist and political prisoner Ihar Ilyash to four years in prison. Judge Siarhei Katser found him guilty of “discrediting the Republic of Belarus” and “facilitating extremist activities.” In addition to the prison term, Ilyash must pay a fine of $1,240.
Ten journalists among 52 political prisoners released in Belarus
On September 11, 2025, Belarusian authorities released 52 political prisoners following negotiations with a U.S. delegation led by John Coale. Among them were twelve journalists and media workers who had faced harsh prison sentences for their professional activities.
Journalist Ihar Ilyash’s trial to resume on September 4
The Minsk City Court will resume the trial of journalist Ihar Ilyash on September 4. He is accused of facilitating extremism and discrediting Belarus.
Aleh Supruniuk and Pavel Dabravolski recognized as political prisoners
On August 26, 2025, Belarusian human rights organizations issued a joint statement regarding journalists Aleh Supruniuk and Pavel Dabravolski, who are behind bars in Belarus.
Journalist Aleh Supruniuk sentenced to three years in prison
Friends of the Brest journalist report that on August 8 Aleh Suprunyuk received a three-year prison sentence. He was convicted of involvement in an “extremist formation.” Prior to the verdict, he had spent over six months in pre-trial detention.
German MP becomes symbolic godparent to imprisoned journalist Palina Pitkevich
As part of the #WeStandBYyou campaign, Ophelia Nick, a member of the German political party Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, has become the symbolic godparent of journalist Palina Pitkevich, who was sentenced by the Belarusian authorities to three years in prison.
BAJ launched the project “Journalists: The Silent Mode”
Determined not to let the facts of persecution and repression against journalists disappear in the information flow or perceived as white noise, the Belarusian Association of Journalists launched the project “Journalists: The Silent Mode.”
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