OSCE Calls on Authorities to Immediately Release Journalists Detained in Belarus

Photo from Ukrinform–UATV

Harlem Désir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, expressed serious concern over the detention of journalists with Belarusian Tut.by and BelaPan news agencies, as well as seizure of their equipment, raids of newsrooms and journalists’ homes by law enforcement, Ukrinform reported.

Désir calls on authoritites to release detained journalists immediately.

“The highly disproportionate measures taken by law enforcement against two independent news agencies raises serious concern about the respect for the independent media in Belarus. I call on the authorities to immediately release all detained journalists and ensure that both media outlets may continue their work unhindered,” he said.

According to reports, on Aug. 7, at least five journalists: Maryna Zolatava, Ganna Ermachonak, Hanna Kaltyhina, and Halina Ulasik of Tut.by, and Tatsiana Karavenkova of BelaPAN, were detained by the Investigative Committee of Belarus for alleged “unauthorized access to computer information” of the state-owned Belarusian news agency BelTA. Reportedly, at least five other journalists were interrogated. Both the Tut.by and BelaPAN news agencies deny that their staff members were involved in any alleged criminal activities.

The journalists may face up to two years in prison. OSCE Representative continues to closely follow course of events around this case.