Belarus: CFWIJ denounces the constant and arbitrary detentions against journalists in Belarus
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Photo credit: Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ)
May 18, 2021, Minsk - Reporter Lyubov Kasperovich was sentenced to 15 days of detention over a charge of participating unauthorised demonstration. The journalist was detained by police while covering the trial of a group of 12 young opposition supporters at the Oktyabrsky District Court in Minsk. After three days of detention, the judge ordered 15 days of arrest against Lyubov. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is appalled by these arbitrary detentions against journalists. We demand Belarusian authorities end these unlawful practices towards journalists and Lyubov Kasperovich should be released immediately. Journalism is not a crime.
Independent news website Tut.by reporter Lyubov Kasperovich was sentenced to 15 days of detention over a charge of participating unauthorised demonstration. According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), the Moskovsky District Court in Minsk found the journalist guilty under Article 24.23 of the country’s administrative offences. Lyubov was accused of participating in an unauthorised mass event in Minsk.
The journalist was detained on May 14 while covering the trial of 12 students at the Oktyabrsky District Court. The students were detained last November and accused of organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order.
Speaking to CFWIJ BAJ International Officer, Alina Stefanovic explained Lyubov’s situation. She said there were many people including reporters at the scene to follow the student's trial. “None of them were allowed into a courtroom and had to stay outside, waiting for news. All of a sudden, riot police appeared and detained several people, Lyubov was one of them,” she added.
After three days of detention, which is the maximum time limit to keep someone detained in Belarus, the journalist appeared in court without knowing the charges against her. The court sentenced her to 15 days of arrest over a charge of participating in the unauthorised mass event.
Since the dubious presidential election of August 9, 2020, the dust has yet to settle in Belarus. Following the election results, which reaffirmed “Europe’s last dictator”, Alexander Lukashenko, in power, Belarus tightened its restrictions on journalists.
On May 13, police detained photographer Tatsyana Kapitonava while she was covering a conference at Startup Family coworking centre, in Minsk. Police took the photographer when she was filming the Emerge conference. After her appearance in the court, Tatsyana also was sentenced to 10 days of detention over the same charge Lyubov had.
The Coalition For Women in Journalism strongly condemns the misuse of state power that is rampant in Belarus right now. We find these arbitrary detentions overshadow press freedom. We reiterate once again that journalism is not a crime. Yet again we demand both Tatsyana and Lyubov’s immediate release.
