OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for the release of four sentenced journalists in Belarus

VIENNA, 12 May 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concerns and denounced today the detention and imprisonment of journalists and freelance reporters for ‘participating in unauthorized events’ in Belarus. He calls for their immediate release.

On 11 and 12 May, the Mahilyow and Hlybokaye (Vitsebsk region) district courts sentenced four reporters to 10 days of administrative arrest on charges of participating in unauthorized events, while they were reportedly observing and covering public gatherings in support of the detained video blogger Syarhey Tsikhanowski.

“I am alarmed by the detention and imprisonment of journalists and freelance reporters Mikhail Arshynski, Dzmitryy Lupach, Ales Asiptsow and Alexander Burakou for their alleged participation in unauthorized events,” Désir said. “Journalists must be able to report on events of public interest such as public protests. I am very much concerned by this decision, which impedes on media freedom. I call on the authorities to release all concerned journalists and freelance reporters,” the Representative added.

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 at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.