May 3, Pozirk. Being a journalist in Belarus remains a dangerous occupation, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has said on the World Press Freedom Day, calling for support to independent media.
Alaksandar Łukašenka and his officials take revenge on independent media for exposing corruption, documenting state-sponsored violence and uncovering facts that authorities want to keep secret, the politician said.
Hundreds of Belarusian journalists forced into exile, where they keep working despite extremist designations in Belarus, she noted.
“We can support independent journalists by reading [the articles] and if it is safe by commenting, subscribing, sharing [content] and donating,” Cichanoŭskaja said. “For as long as independent journalism lives, we form a close-knit community. We know what is happening in Lepiel, Ivacevičy or Čavusy which makes us a little closer to each other.”
Press freedom concerns all Belarusians as they have the right to know what is going on around them and be sure that the problems going to be solved, she said, noting that journalism should serve the people by posing questions and demanding answers from authorities.
Since the 2020 political crisis, more than 500 Belarusian journalists have suffered from politically-motivated reprisals, including arrests, prison terms and harassment. At least 40 media workers remain behind bars, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.
