Belarus’s Crackdown on Dissent Continues: European and British Diplomats Show Solidarity with Imprisoned Journalist Ihar Ilyash, PEN International Demands Release of Polish-Belarusian Activist Andrzej Poczobut.
The article discusses the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Belarus by highlighting two recent cases:
1. Ihar Ilyash, a journalist and former correspondent for the Polish-funded satellite TV channel Belsat, was put on trial on February 21 on charges of discrediting Belarus and aiding “extremist activities”. European and British diplomats gathered at the Minsk City Court building to show solidarity with him.
2. Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian activist and correspondent for the Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2023 on charges of “encouraging actions aimed at harming national security”. PEN International has called for his release, saying his case is emblematic of the oppression experienced by writers and journalists who speak up for the rights of oppressed minorities.
The article also mentions that Belarus’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine and its fomenting of a migration crisis on the borders of the European Union have led to strained relations with Poland. The release of political prisoners has been discussed between the US and Belarus, but human rights organizations say that even more individuals have become political prisoners.
Key points:
* 39 journalists and five media workers are among Belarus’s 1,220 political prisoners
* Around 35 independent media outlets and 33 individuals have been designated as extremists in Belarus
* 12 journalists have been included on the state list of “terrorists”
* PEN International has called for the release of Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian activist and correspondent
* European and British diplomats showed solidarity with imprisoned journalist Ihar Ilyash