2010-01-22: Authorities try to stop independent media before elections

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) expresses concern over the media situation in Belarus before the local elections in April, and the presidential elections next year. It will be very difficult for the few independent media that exists in the country to provide objective information after threats to close down media from the Media Ministry and a planned regulation of the Internet. The media are also in a very difficult economic situation. Under pressure from the authorities, several major advertisers finished their cooperation with several independent media.

These government actions prevent independent media from working in Belarus and are therefore a threat to the right to access to information. This means that Belarus is taking another step away from international standards on freedom of expression, BAJ writes in its press release.

Press release from Belarusian Association of Journalists

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