Opposition leader: Belarus is Europe’s most dangerous country for media

May 3, Pozirk. Being a journalist in Belarus remains a dangerous occupation, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has said on the World Press Freedom Day, calling for support to independent media.
Alaksandar Łukašenka and his officials take revenge on independent media for exposing corruption, documenting state-sponsored violence and uncovering facts that authorities want to keep secret, the politician said.
Hundreds of Belarusian journalists forced into exile, where they keep working despite extremist designations in Belarus, she noted.
“We can support independent journalists by reading [the articles] and if it is safe by commenting, subscribing, sharing [content] and donating,” Cichanoŭskaja said. “For as long as independent journalism lives, we form a close-knit community. We know what is happening in Lepiel, Ivacevičy or Čavusy which makes us a little closer to each other.”
Press freedom concerns all Belarusians as they have the right to know what is going on around them and be sure that the problems going to be solved, she said, noting that journalism should serve the people by posing questions and demanding answers from authorities.
Since the 2020 political crisis, more than 500 Belarusian journalists have suffered from politically-motivated reprisals, including arrests, prison terms and harassment. At least 40 media workers remain behind bars, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.
RSF Press Freedom Index ranks Belarus in bottom 15
- Politics, SecurityBelarus’ opposition leader to take part in Munich Security Conference this weekThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityPoland reports another balloon incursion incidentThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SecurityIAEA starts inspection of Belarus’ nuclear facilitiesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Economy, SocietyFormer Rečyca district head imprisoned for hiding livestock deathsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Politics, SecurityDefense ministry: Russia helped boost Belarusian army's combat potentialThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarusian goods’ market share down 2 percent in 2025 – BiełstatThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsŁukašenka, Putin discuss upcoming Union State event in phone callThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsBiełnaftachim praises performance of Belarusian oil refineries in 2025The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society
- SocietyBelarusian community in Lithuania keeps shrinkingThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsGeorgia said to have promised not to deport Belarusians to BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- Politics
- Security, Society
- PoliticsLithuania’s security chief says Łukašenka’s policies remain unchangedThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsTrial, extremist designations, digital censorship reported on February 6The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- PoliticsAt least 1,995 NGOs dissolved since August 2020 – LawtrendThe material is available only to POZIRK+



