OSCE media rep calls for systemic support of Belarusian journalists in exile

December 1, BPN. Belarusian journalists continue to provide unbiased coverage despite being forced to leave their country, said Teresa Ribeiro, representative on freedom of the media of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

In her address to a forum of free media hosted by the Lithuanian Seimas she noted attacks on freedoms of speech in the OSCE countries.

The OSCE working group has discussed Belarusian journalists in exile but it has yet to work out a systematic approach to help them, Ribeiro said.

Journalists in Belarus face persecution, trials, and long terms in prison, she noted. The OSCE condemned the crackdown and demanded that all imprisoned media workers be released as soon as possible.

Over 400 journalists left Belarus in fear of persecution in the last few years, while dozens remain behind bars on changes widely seen as politically motivated.