VIENNA, 20 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern over a series of detentions of journalists on 19 June, who were covering public gatherings in Belarus.

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PRESS RELEASE

OSCE media Representative concerned by detention of journalists in Belarus, calls on authorities to ensure right of media to cover public gatherings

“The journalists play a crucial role in covering events of public interest, particularly those related to elections. Obstruction of media activities negatively affects media freedom and the free flow of information, and is a matter of great concern,” Désir said. “I call on the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to do their work, to cover and report on public gatherings without fear of being detained.”

According to reports, on 19 June, law enforcement representatives detained at least ten media workers, including from Radio Svaboda (part of RFE/RL), Reuters, Euroradio.fm, Tut.by, Onliner.by, Belsat TV and Bobr.by, in the capital Minsk and the cities of Gomel and Bobruisk. The journalists were detained while covering public gatherings on the last day of collecting signatures in support of the nomination of presidential candidates. Reportedly, the detained media workers were later released.

Previously, Désir expressed concern regarding the detention and imprisonment of journalists and freelance reporters (see:https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/452161

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/455110

Contacts:

Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
Wallnerstrasse 6
1010 Vienna
Austria
Office: +43 1 514 36 6800
Fax: +43 1 514 36 6802
[email protected]

Ton van den Brandt

Office: +43 1 514 36 6806
[email protected]

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