OSCE Representative concerned over measures against independent media outlets in Belarus, calls on authorities to release detained journalists
VIENNA, 8 August 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed serious concern over the detention of journalists with the Belarusian Tut.by and BelaPAN news agencies, as well as raids of newsrooms and journalists’ homes by law enforcement agents, and the seizure of their equipment.
According to reports, on 7 August, at least five journalists: Maryna Zolatava, Hanna Kaltyhina, Halina Ulasik, and Ganna Ermachonak of Tut.by, and Tatsiana Karavenkova of BelaPAN, were detained by the Investigative Committee of Belarus on suspicion of “unauthorized access to computer information” of the state-owned BelTA news agency. If convicted, the journalists may face up to two years in prison. Reportedly, at least five other journalists were interrogated. Both the Tut.by and BelaPAN news agencies deny that their staff members were involved in any alleged criminal activity.
“The highly disproportionate measures taken by law enforcement against two independent news agencies raises serious concern about the respect for the independent media in Belarus,” Désir said, echoing the concern expressed by the Belarusian Association of Journalists. “I call on the authorities to immediately release all detained journalists and ensure that both media outlets may continue their work unhindered.”
The Representative continues to closely follow developments around this case, including the ongoing searches at the premises of Tut.by Media, and similar searches at the home of independent journalist and media expert Paulyuk Bykowski.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.