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The epoch of internet and DIY is coming for the non-state mass media of Belarus
Monopolization of the informational field in the Republic of Belarus is going on. The authorities use all possible means to close the remaining few independent information sources. In 2006 three independent newspapers will lose subscription. (10-NOV-05)
Belarusian independent mass media pressured
The pressure against the independent media in the Republic of Belarus increases before the presidential elections due to take place in six months. – We are rudely pushed out of the legal information space into underground and “non-traditional” forms of mass-media activity, says Zhanna Litvina from the Belarusian Association of Journalists. (05-NOV-05)
Belarusian Language Society: one has to struggle for the right to use the mother-tongue
“The state guarantees the right to choose the language of education and upbringing in conformity with the law”. In the case this Constitution article was really respected in real life, most probably the agenda of the assembly of Frantsishak Skaryna Belarusian Language Society (the largest public NGO dealing with defense of national values) that took place on 30 October would have sounded like “Success and progress in development of Belarusian, the state language” and the authorities wouldn’t have twice refused to provide the room for this event. (2-NOV-05)
Firing on Office – New “Belarusian” Method of Fighting Human Rights Activists.
The complicated situation and the permanent pressure exerted by the authorities on the civil sector of Republic of Belarus are frequent topics for both the country’s society and the international community. But what happened the other day staggered even some of the most sophisticated human rights activist and representatives of other NGOs in the Republic of Belarus. In the night of 24 October a window of the office of Zhodzina-based regional branch of the Human Rights Center Viasna came under gunfire. (28-OCT-05)
Belarusian Helsinki Committee further harassed by its authorities
The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC) are gravely concerned by continuing threats against the Committee, in spite of an earlier court decision that cleared the group and its leaders of charges of tax evasion. (24-OCT-05)
Narodnaya Volya journalist found dead from traumatic brain injury
Two days ago, Vasil Hrodnikau, a correspondent for the independent newspaper Narodnaya Volya was found dead, with serious injuries to his head and brain. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation by Belarusian police. -This is the third violent death among independent Belarusian journalists since 2000, Andrej Dynko (right) editor of Nasha Niva, reminded the audience at a seminar at the Human Rights house in Oslo yesterday. (20-OCT-05)
Closure of independent daily Narodnaya Volya
The only independent daily in the Republic of Belarus, which represents 65 per cent of the non-governmental print media circulation in the country, went out of business on Monday, 3 October. The two state distributors and the publishing house had all at the same time decided to cancel their contracts, citing different reasons. (18-OCT-05)
Lukashenka Will Combat “Anti-Belarusian” Information Resources
Aliaksandr Lukashenka (right, photo: AP)) is going to protect Belarusian people against anti-Belarusian propaganda. He states that radio broadcasting from abroad forms a negative image of Republic of Belarus. (04-OCT-05)
UN special reporter banned entry
A UN special reporter was banned entry to the country because his mission is to collect information about the human rights in the Republic of Belarus. Instead, he will visit the Baltic states where he is going to meet representatives of the government and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations. (19-SEP-05)