Swedish embassy demands release of one of Belarus’ most distinguished journalists

June 14, BPN. The embassy of Sweden has called for the release of Iryna Leŭšyna, BelaPAN‘s editor in chief and director, on its Facebook page, describing her as “one of the most distinguished journalists and media managers of Belarus.”

The Minsk Regional Court is hearing a criminal case against BelaPAN executives this week. Former CEO Źmićer Navažyłaŭ, media manager Andrej Alaksandraŭ, the company’s deputy director from 2014 to 2018, and his girlfriend Iryna Złobina are also on trial, along with Leŭšyna.

The journalists face numerous charges, including creation of an extremist group, high treason, and tax evasion. They are also charged with “aiding the foreign organization By_Help” in “activities aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus.”

Human rights defenders say that their persecution is politically motivated.