OSCE Media Freedom Representative concludes official visit to Belarus, encourages reform of media freedom environment

MINSK, 20 March 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today concluded a three-day official visit to Minsk. In his discussions with the Belarusian authorities, he called on the government to undertake the reforms necessary for developing a more favourable and pluralistic media environment.

During the visit, Désir met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei; Minister of Information Aliaksandr Karliukevich; and Chair of the Committee on Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media at the House of Representatives of the National Assembly Andrei Naumovich, to discuss challenges to media freedom and other areas such as the new concept of information security where the OSCE Representative may offer legal expertise and assistance.

Désir also met with representatives of the Belarusian Association of Journalists and the Belarusian Union of Journalists, as well as journalists and media experts. He visited the editorial offices of news agencies Tut.Byand BelaPAN and held talks with journalists affected by the BelTA case, on which the Representative had intervened previously. In particular, he met with the Editor-in-chief of Tut.By, Marina Zolotova, who recently received a high fine. “I am very impressed by the work and the efforts of independent journalists I had the opportunity to meet during my visit.”

“I also praise the open and constructive dialogue with the Ministers on media freedom issues in Belarus,” said Désir following his meetings. 

In his talks with the authorities, the Representative underlined that the current legislation still contains many provisions that restrict the work of media outlets and journalists. They include criminal defamation and insult, which negatively affect media freedom and create a broader “chilling effect” on the right to freedom of expression.

“The authorities should promote laws and regulations that protect the principles of freedom of speech and freedom of the media and facilitate greater media pluralism online and offline,” said Désir. 

The Representative further reiterated his call on the authorities to change the accreditation requirements for journalists, and introduce more effective ways to access information. “This is a long-standing issue which my Office has previously raised with the authorities on several occasions. Accreditation requirements should be reconsidered, so as to improve the working conditions of media actors rather than functioning as a work permit, preventing journalists from doing their work,” Désir said.

“I also encourage the authorities to start effectively de-monopolizing state-owned media outlets and transforming the state broadcaster into a genuine public service media outlet, as well as introducing mechanisms that will foster transparent competition in the market, and equal access of all media to state support and advertising market,” Désir added.

The Representative positively noted the high level of internet penetration in the country and its growing role in fostering new media, which provides an important platform for information and public debate. 

The Representative reiterated his call on the authorities to ensure unrestricted access to the Internet, following the continued blocking of news websites Charter97.org and Belaruspartisan.org.

Désir encouraged the authorities to prioritize freedom of expression and media freedom in any future regulation of online space and to reconsider existing measures that tighten state control of the internet, including the broad possibility to interfere with any information posted online. The Representative noted that it is important to refrain from excessive measures and practices regarding internet intermediaries, imposition of registration requirements and the users’ right to anonymity.

“Restrictions to online content must be narrowly defined and limited to content such as violent extremism, Nazism or racism to avoid a broad and disproportionate impact on freedom of expression,” said Desir, “Blocking powers that the executive authorities have must be overseen by independent judiciary,” he added. 

“My Office will continue the dialogue with the Belarusian authorities, and hope that this co-operation will bring constructive and lasting results that improve the media freedom situation in the country,” Désir said.

Désir expressed the readiness of his Office in providing Belarus with expert recommendations, in line with OSCE media freedom commitments and best practices, and encouraged the authorities to more actively engage civil society in discussions on the reform process.

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.