Łukašenka tightens media restrictions amid crackdown

July 1, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka has signed a bill that introduces new limits on freedom of speech and media activities in Belarus.

The bill allows the government to ban foreign media outlets from operating in the country if their countries act unfriendly towards Łukašenka’s media, according to his press office.

It also imposes new regulations on online news aggregators and gives authorities more power to revoke media licenses and block websites.

The bill’s supporters say it is necessary to protect national interests and respond to foreign pressure. Critics say it is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and independent journalism.

Dozens of media workers have been arrested or forced to flee the country following the 2020 disputed presidential election.