June 8, 2021- Volha Takarchuk runs a political blog on Youtube and has a following of 37,000 subscribers. Volha was accused of violating the rules of procedure and was put in solitary confinement. It is not clear what was that violation. She was arrested on the orders of the prosecutor of Pershamiaski district, in Minsk on May 23. After the arrest authorities transferred her from prison to another detention center in Akrestsin Street, in prison number 8, Zhodzina. Prior to her arrest Volha was detained on May 19 and was transferred to the Pershamaiski district department of internal affairs. CFWIJ condemns the arrest and solitary confinement of Volha. We demand that Belarusian law enforcement authorities end the imprisonment of Volha and continuously harassing women journalists for being critical of government policies. 

Volha's parents were communicated about her confinement via a letter as she needed a few things. Her father Andrei Takarchuk said that we have no idea what happened. He said authorities informed him that Volha did allegedly violate the rules procedure but we will only know the real cause after a lawyer's visit. “Imprisonment is a big punishment itself and the dungeon is double torture”, her father added. Volha has 2 minor kids aged 3 and 7 who are waiting for their mother to return. 

The blogger is charged with three criminal acts under article 391 for insulting a judge, 188th for defamation, and article 342 for participating and organizing the events that disturb public order. Before the latest violation of her rights, Volha was arrested on May 14 and was kept in a police station reportedly for hurling insults at the law enforcement authorities. The reason behind this persecution is her Youtube blog and active participation in protests. 

Belarusian Association of Journalists shared the news of Volhas’ solitary confinement on Twitter.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism has been following the violations against freedom of the press in Belarus closely. We have designed a detailed report stating the recent attacks against women journalists. CFWIJ demands the law enforcement authorities stop targeting women journalists for being a critical voice for the country. We urge the Belarusian government to respect the values of a free press and let the journalists report without intimidation or fear.