Media laws at Belarus
Belarus' media laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly under the leadership of President Aleksandr Lukashenko. These changes have led to increased restrictions on media freedom, both for domestic and foreign outlets.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Constitution of Belarus guarantees freedom of thought, belief, and expression, and prohibits the monopolization of the media and censorship. However, the Law "On Mass Media," adopted in 2008 and amended multiple times since, including in 2021, 2022, and 2023, has introduced provisions that significantly limit media freedom. The law formalizes principles such as accuracy, equality, respect for human rights and freedoms, and diversity of views, but its implementation has been criticized for stifling independent media.
🛑 Restrictions and Censorship
Recent amendments to the mass media law have expanded the grounds for restricting media activities:
*Foreign Media Bans: The law allows the Ministry of Information to ban foreign media outlets in Belarus if they engage in "unfriendly actions" against Belarusian media, such as banning Belarusian outlets abroad Such actions can include barring distribution, cancelling accreditation, and prohibiting the opening of offices in Belarus.
*Website and News Aggregator Restrictions: The law broadens the basis for blocking foreign and local news websites and news aggregators Authorities can cancel a media outlet’s registration if its founder or legal entity is involved in activities deemed "extremist" or "terrorist."
*Journalist Accreditation: Journalists' accreditation can be revoked if they violate established procedures or disseminate information considered false or defamatory. The law also allows for the restriction of access to internet resources based on decisions by the Ministry of Information.
📉 Impact on Media Freedom
These legal changes have led to a significant decline in media freedom in Belarus:
*Crackdown on Independent Media: Since the 2020 presidential election, which was widely regarded as fraudulent, Belarusian authorities have intensified their repression of independent mei. Many outlets have been labelled as "extremist," and their content is often inaccessible within the country. At least 40 journalists are currently imprisoned, and over 600 have fled the country.
*International Repercussions: The repression has drawn international condemnation. Reporters Without Borders has taken the Belarusian regime to the International Criminal Court, citing crimes against humanity.
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