Belarus: CFWIJ condemns prolonged detention of journalists Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova

January 25, 2021, Minsk— Journalists Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova are behind bars since November 2020 for live streaming a protest. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the unjustified arrest of journalists on duty.

Both journalists were broadcasting the violent dispersal of a protest held in memory of Raman Bandarenka, a young activist.  Raman succumbed to his injuries after he was reportedly beaten by security forces, during an anti-government protest. 

Katsyaryna and Darya were charged under part one of Article 342 of the Criminal Code, which cites organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order. 

The journalists are accused of taking an active part, and even leading, actions that violated public order through their livestream. Authorities reported that their broadcast disrupted public transport. According to claims made in the investigation, the livestream caused 13 buses, three trolleybuses and three streetcar routes to come to a halt. 

After the controversial elections won by President Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus, tens of thousands of people continue to flood the streets amidst harsh police measures. Since the social uprising began, there have been many other arrests and incidents of harassment against women journalists.

CFWIJ is following the escalating events in Belarus with great concern. We demand that all detained journalists, including Katsyaryna and Darya, be released immediately.