Belarus Detains Two Journalists in Widening Crackdown on Dissent

Amidst a persistent crackdown on dissent, Belarus has detained two journalists, Yulia Dauletava and Lyudmila Andenka, accusing them of contributing to extremist activities. This incident highlights the ongoing suppression of independent media and opposition in the country.

In a recent development that highlights the ongoing suppression of dissent in Belarus, two journalists were detained on Friday. The Belarusian Association of Journalists reported the arrests of Yulia Dauletava, chief editor of the Ranak television channel, and Lyudmila Andenka, a correspondent. The detentions took place in the city of Svetlahorsk in southeastern Belarus, and the journalists are accused of contributing to extremist activities.

Crackdown on Independent Media

The detentions of Dauletava and Andenka are part of a broader crackdown on independent media in Belarus. Since the disputed presidential election in August 2020, which resulted in Alexander Lukashenko's sixth consecutive term in office, the country has witnessed a wave of protests and dissent. Lukashenko's response has been harsh, with police detaining approximately 35,000 people and using excessive force against protesters. Many opposition figures have fled the country, while others, like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, have been imprisoned.

Independent Journalists Under Pressure

Independent journalists in Belarus, like Dauletava and Andenka, have faced increasing pressure during the crackdown. Unlike those working with state media, they risk arrest and prosecution for their reporting. Ranak, a popular regional television channel, covered the protests and investigated a gas explosion at a local pulp and cardboard mill that resulted in three deaths. However, after releasing several investigative pieces, Ranak was blocked in Belarus, and its website and social media were designated as extremist in September.

Shrinking Space for Independent Media

The arrests of Dauletava and Andenka underscore the rapidly shrinking space for independent media in Belarus. According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, 33 journalists are currently behind bars in the country. Andrei Bastunets, the association's leader, expressed concern about the authorities' view of independent media as enemies and the indiscriminate labeling of extremism. This hostile environment has led to the closure of hundreds of rights groups and independent news organizations, further limiting the flow of information and public discourse in Belarus.

Targeting Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

In a separate development, the Belarusian Ministry of Information added the internet pages and social media accounts of the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) to the list of extremist materials. This designation means that accessing the website or social media pages of RFE/RL in Belarus could result in petty charges, arrest, or even criminal prosecution. The move also affects the Russian and Ukrainian services of RFE/RL, whose social media pages have been added to the list of extremist materials.

The detentions of journalists and the targeting of independent media outlets in Belarus highlight the deteriorating state of press freedom and freedom of expression in the country. The international community must continue to condemn these actions and call for the release of detained journalists and the restoration of media freedom in Belarus.