Washington Center for Human Rights condemns Belarus’ crackdown on independent media and civil society

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) has been an active organization since 1995, working to promote and protect freedom of speech and the rights of journalists in Belarus. However, on November 16, 2021, the Belarusian authorities designated BAJ as an “extremist formation,” along with its staff members. This move is part of an ongoing crackdown on civil society and independent media in Belarus, which has been characterized by human rights abuses and repression.

The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is deeply concerned about this latest development in Belarus and urges the international community to take action to protect the rights of journalists and civil society in the country.

Since the disputed presidential election in August 2020, the government of Belarus has carried out a relentless campaign of repression against civil society, independent media, and opposition politicians. This has included arbitrary arrests, torture, and harassment of human rights defenders and journalists.

BAJ has been a target of this campaign since the beginning, with its members subjected to threats, arrests, and interrogations. In September 2020, BAJ was denied accreditation by the authorities, and in November 2020, its former leader, Andrei Bastunets, was detained and charged with participating in protests against the government.

The designation of BAJ as an “extremist formation” is a clear attempt to silence the voices of independent journalists and media in Belarus. This designation carries serious consequences for BAJ and its members, including the possibility of criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

The WCHR condemns this move by the Belarusian authorities and calls on the international community to take action to protect the rights of journalists and civil society in Belarus. The designation of BAJ as an “extremist formation” is a clear violation of international human rights law and an attack on freedom of expression and the media.

The WCHR believes that independent media and civil society organizations are crucial for promoting transparency and accountability in any society. Without them, there can be no democracy, no rule of law, and no human rights. The designation of BAJ as an “extremist formation” is a clear attempt to undermine these principles and to silence independent voices.

The WCHR calls on the Belarusian authorities to immediately reverse this designation and to respect the rights of journalists and civil society organizations in the country. We also call on the international community to take concrete steps to support these rights, including imposing targeted sanctions against those responsible for human rights abuses in Belarus and providing financial and other support to independent media and civil society organizations in the country.

Furthermore, the WCHR calls on the Belarusian government to release all journalists and human rights defenders who have been detained or imprisoned for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The government must also ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable and brought to justice.

In conclusion, the WCHR stands in solidarity with the Belarusian Association of Journalists and all independent journalists and media outlets in Belarus who are working to promote and protect freedom of speech and the rights of journalists. We will continue to monitor the situation in Belarus closely and advocate for the protection of human rights in the country.