Today, on World Press Freedom Day, 22 journalists are still behind bars in Belarus. The situation with freedom of speech in Belarus remains the worst in Europe. Since the sweeping repression that began in 2020, hundreds of Belarusian media workers have endured detention, arrest, and persecution. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its affiliates the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) in calling for the release of all Belarusian journalists.
Recently, several well-known journalists were released. But we worry about those who remain behind bars.
In February and March of this year, after large-scale releases of political prisoners, several media specialists were sentenced to enormous terms over treason against the state, up to 14 years of imprisonment.
We are concerned that amid the widespread joy and attention surrounding the release of prominent figures, those who remain behind bars may receive less notice, gradually fading from public view.
The issue of jailed journalists cannot be considered resolved as long as even one person remains behind bars.
“On World Press Freedom Day, we join colleagues around the world in demanding the release of Belarusian journalists. We won’t forget them,” said EFJ President Maja Sever.
Source: EFJ
