Minsk 23:13

RSF urges Minsk to free journalist Paźniak, his daughter

(Video by Platforma 375 / Still by Pozirk)

June 29, Pozirk. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned prison sentences for journalist Kirył Paźniak and his daughter Janina, calling for their immediate release, says a statement posted on Telegram.

Three days ago, a judge in Minsk sentenced Paźniak to three and a half years in prison and a fine of 24,750 rubels ($8,800). His daughter also received a prison sentence, but the term remains unknown. Belarusian authorities accused both of belonging to an “extremist group” and discrediting Belarus. 

Paźniak and his daughter were arrested last September over links to Platforma 375, a YouTube channel focusing on news in the Mahiloŭ region and blacklisted in Belarus.

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, 21 media workers are currently behind bars in Belarus. In all, human rights organizations had identified and documented 851 political prisoners in Belarus as of June 29.

RSF sounds alarm over jailed journalist Paźniak's health

May 26, Pozirk. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed deep concerns over the health of jailed journalist Kirył Paźniak, who was hospitalized in serious condition after more than eight months in detention. “The authorities must immediately ensure he has access …
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