Shutting down Belarusian Association of Journalists further limits free media in Belarus, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

VIENNA, 30 August 2021 – Amid continuing massive violations of the right to freedom of expression and media freedom in Belarus, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro today deplored the decision of the authorities to shut down the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ).

On 27 August, upon a lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court of Belarus ordered the dissolution of BAJ for allegedly violating the legislation on public associations. The decision follows the large-scale inspection of BAJ activities, searches of its premises, seizure of documents and equipment, and freezing of its bank accounts by the authorities during the last months.

“For more than twenty-five years the Belarusian Association of Journalists, the affiliate of both International and European Federation of Journalists and recipient of various international awards for its commitment to journalistic principles, has been working to protect and advocate for the rights of media workers in Belarus,” Ribeiro said. “I deplore this targeted campaign against BAJ, which regrettably culminated in its effective shutdown, and once again call on the authorities to fully implement all OSCE commitments and the country’s international obligations related to freedom of expression and media freedom.”

Over the past several months, the Representative has addressed the deteriorating media freedom situation in Belarus on several occasions (see latest statement here).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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.