{"id":186054,"date":"2026-05-03T19:49:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T16:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/186054\/"},"modified":"2026-05-03T19:49:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T16:49:57","slug":"eu-uk-diplomats-call-for-free-press-in-belarus","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/186054\/","title":{"rendered":"EU, UK diplomats call for free press in Belarus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n (EU Delegation to Belarus)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

May 3, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>The Delegation of the European Union to Belarus and the British Embassy in Minsk have issued a statement on World Press Freedom Day, urging Belarusian authorities to ensure press freedom and liberate all jailed media workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journalists face harassment, imprisonment and persecution for speaking the truth, the statement noted, stressing the key role of free, independent media and the courage of reporters. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign affairs chief, pledged to defend independent press freedom around the world, describing independent media as cornerstones of any democratic society. \u00a0She also reaffirmed the bloc\u2019s commitment to uphold free, pluralistic, independent and qualitative journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many independent media outlets were branded extremist groups for political reasons in Belarus after the disputed 2020 presidential election. All Belarusian independent media now operate from abroad, while authorities in Minsk routinely use terrorism and extremism designations to silence critical voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least 22 media workers are held behind bars in Belarus, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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