Belarus' Speech: Free Or Restricted?

Belarus has been criticised for its repression of freedom of speech, with the country's media facing routine censorship and intimidation. Since the 2020 crackdown on independent voices, journalists have been subjected to arrests, fines, searches, and interrogations, with more than 3,000 online resources blocked and most independent print media banned from distributing their materials. The government has also passed laws that make insulting the president or criticising Belarus abroad punishable by imprisonment.

The country's response to the 2020 protests and the contested 2021 election has resulted in a wave of repression, with more than 500 journalists detained and several injured as police violently shut down protests. The government has also revoked the media credentials of independent outlets and blocked their websites.

These actions have been widely condemned by international organisations and human rights groups, who have called on Belarus to respect freedom of expression and stop intimidating and deterring independent reporting.

Belarus ranks poorly on press freedom indexes

In 2021, after a year-long purge of independent media by the Lukashenko regime, Belarus dropped to 158th place in the PFI rating. Belarus has never had a strong tradition of media freedom, and the mass crackdown after the 2020 contested elections has made an already repressive situation even worse, according to local journalists. More than 500 journalists have been detained since August 2020, when long-term leader President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory and the opposition leader was forced to flee.

Collectively, they have spent upwards of 1,200 days in jail, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). A further 60 journalists were injured as police violently shut down protests. State-owned printers have refused to print at least five newspapers, one print run was confiscated, websites were blocked, and the largest web portal TUT.by was stripped of its media status. The harsh response to coverage of the contested elections and protests resulted in a five-point decline for the country in the world press freedom index. It currently ranks 158th out of 180 countries, where 1 is the most free, according to data published by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) has stated that the country's low ranking in the international rating of press freedom is due to the authorities' attempts to stifle independent media through arrests, fines, searches, and interrogations. The authorities blocked more than 3,000 online resources, while most independent print media were banned from distributing their materials. Dozens of media organizations and hundreds of journalists were forced to relocate, and 33 journalists are currently imprisoned.

The government has also targeted human rights activists and lawyers who defend victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Belarus's international isolation has deepened, and its EU neighbours have tightened border controls after Belarus agreed to host the Russian private military company Wagner and deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.

Belarusian authorities' attempts to stifle independent press

The Belarusian government has been accused of stifling independent press through various means, including smear campaigns, arbitrary arrests, raids on homes and offices, police brutality, and political prosecutions. Here are some key examples and details of the situation:

Legal Restrictions and Amendments

On April 2, 2021, Belarus' parliament proposed eight bills, including amendments to the country's Mass Media Law and Mass Gatherings Law. These amendments aim to expand legal restrictions on mass media outlets and give authorities more grounds to deny accreditation, shut down outlets, or block their websites. They also further restrict journalists' abilities to report on mass protests and prohibit livestreaming of unauthorized protests. These amendments provide formal grounds for the government's crackdown on independent media.

Raids, Arrests, and Intimidation

Belarusian authorities have raided the offices of independent newspapers, such as Novy Chas, confiscating equipment and taking journalists for questioning. They have also raided the homes and apartments of journalists. Overall, 28 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, serving sentences, or awaiting trial. Journalists face arbitrary detention, arrests, and harassment as a norm.

Censorship and Self-Censorship

Despite censorship being prohibited by the country's constitution, it is enforced through various laws. For example, insulting the president is punishable by up to five years in prison, and criticizing Belarus abroad can result in up to two years in prison. Most local independent outlets regularly practice self-censorship to avoid repercussions. The government also maintains control over broadcast media, with state media being the only ones broadcasting nationwide.

Misuse of Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Extremism Legislation

The Belarusian authorities have been accused by a UN expert of misusing counter-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation to suppress freedom of expression and target opposition figures, civil society activists, journalists, and others. Vague definitions of "terrorism" and "extremism" allow for the interpretation and application of these laws to include legitimate human rights activities. Individuals and organizations accused of involvement in terrorist or extremist activities face blacklisting, harassment, and sanctions without a judicial process.

International Reactions and Rankings

The situation in Belarus has drawn international attention and condemnation. Reporters Without Borders ranked Belarus 154th out of 178 countries in its 2010 Press Freedom Index. In 2021, after a purge on independent media, the country dropped to 158th place. Amnesty International has also spoken out against attacks on independent media and NGOs by Belarusian authorities.

Crackdown on independent civil society organisations

The Belarusian government has been accused of cracking down on independent civil society organisations, NGOs, professional organisations, and ethnic and religious communities. This crackdown has resulted in the closure of numerous organisations and the detention of human rights defenders and activists.

In July 2024, the Belarusian authorities dissolved at least 46 human rights and civil society organisations, including the Centre for Ecological Decisions, European Youth Parliament, Belarusian PEN Centre, Human Constanta human rights group, and Youth Labor Rights. This move was part of an ongoing restriction of civic space and a crackdown on civil society organisations, with President Alexander Lukashenko comparing NGOs to "bandits and foreign agents" and declaring a "clean-up" operation.

The closures were carried out without resorting to the court, with the authorities alleging that these organisations carried out activities beyond their charters. However, human rights groups such as Amnesty International have denounced these actions, stating that they violate international human rights law and restrict the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

The crackdown has also targeted independent media and journalists. In 2024, the Belarusian government ramped up raids and arrests of independent journalists, with more than 200 raids of offices and apartments of activists and journalists in a single month. This resulted in the detention of at least 32 journalists, who were either awaiting trial or serving sentences.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), the country's biggest and most respected media organisation, was among those forced to close. The Press-Club, an organisation providing education programs for journalists, was also targeted, with its head, Yulia Slutskaya, and three other workers arrested and held in custody.

The international community, including the U.S. Ambassador Julie Fisher and the media freedom representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, has condemned the dissolution of these organisations and called for a strong international response to hold the Belarusian authorities accountable for their actions.

Belarusian journalists' persistence in the face of repression

Journalism in Belarus is a dangerous profession. Since the disputed presidential election of August 2020, the government has cracked down on independent media, with journalists facing harassment, censorship, detention, and violence. Despite this, many Belarusian journalists continue to work tirelessly to expose the truth and hold those in power to account. This article will explore the repression faced by Belarusian journalists and their resilience in the face of adversity.

Repression and Violence

Belarusian authorities have employed various tactics to suppress press freedom and intimidate journalists. These include arbitrary arrests, raids on homes and offices, police brutality, and political prosecutions. The government has also passed laws that restrict media outlets and broaden the grounds for denying accreditation, shutting them down, or blocking their websites.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) has documented hundreds of cases of journalists being detained, beaten, or harassed by the authorities since the 2020 election. In addition to physical violence, journalists also face legal repercussions for their work. They are often charged with vague crimes such as "discrediting the state" or "extremism," effectively prohibiting any criticism of the government.

Resilience and Resistance

Despite the risks, many Belarusian journalists continue to bravely report on issues that the government wants to keep hidden. They have adapted their strategies for content distribution and interaction with their audience, using proxy services and relocating to other countries to continue their work. Some journalists have even risked their lives to cover protests and expose human rights abuses.

The resilience of Belarusian journalists has gained international recognition. In 2022, the BAJ was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for its decades of dedication to free expression. The work of individual journalists has also been acknowledged, with awards such as the Anti-Corruption Champions Award and the Free Media Award being presented to those who have shown exceptional courage and perseverance.

International Solidarity

The international community has shown solidarity with Belarusian journalists through various campaigns and initiatives. The BAJ's Solidarity Marathon, for example, aims to keep the challenges faced by independent Belarusian media in the public eye and encourages people worldwide to show their support. Other organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch, have also advocated for the release of imprisoned journalists and called for greater respect for press freedom in Belarus.

The situation for journalists in Belarus remains dire, with the government continuing its efforts to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. However, the resilience and persistence of Belarusian journalists in the face of repression are inspiring. They continue to work tirelessly to expose the truth, often at great personal risk, and their dedication to their profession and commitment to upholding press freedom deserve admiration and support from the international community.

Western sanctions against Belarus

Freedom of speech in Belarus is restricted by a number of laws. For instance, insulting the president is punishable by up to five years in prison, and criticising Belarus abroad can lead to two years in prison. The government also routinely harasses and censors independent media, and journalists are often harassed and detained for reporting on unauthorised demonstrations or working with unregistered media outlets.

In response to these human rights abuses, Western countries have imposed sanctions on Belarus. The United States, for example, has implemented a range of sanctions targeting the Lukashenka regime, including visa restrictions and sanctions on Belarusian state-owned enterprises, government officials, and military support to Russia. The US has also designated Belarusian networks as sanctions evasion networks and cogs in Russia's war machine.

In addition to the US, the European Union (EU) has also imposed sanctions on Belarus. In 2021, the EU tightened border controls after Belarus agreed to host the Russian private military company Wagner and deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. The EU has also targeted individuals and entities in Belarus with asset freezes and travel bans.

The UK has also joined the EU in imposing sanctions on Belarus. These sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans on Belarusian individuals and entities, as well as restrictions on technical assistance to the Belarusian government and state-owned enterprises.

Overall, the Western sanctions against Belarus aim to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for its human rights abuses and undemocratic practices, including the restriction of freedom of speech.

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