Sentencing of Irina Khalip further exacerbates media freedom in Belarus

VIENNA, 16 May 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, condemned today the sentencing of Belarusian journalist Irina Khalip to a two-year suspended jail term in connection with the December 2010 post-election demonstrations.

“I once again voice my concern over the continuous deterioration of media freedom in Belarus. Today’s sentencing of Irina Khalip, one of the leading journalists in Belarus, is another attempt to silence differing and critical voices in Belarus.

While I am relieved that Irina Khalip is no longer under house arrest, she will face administrative restrictions. I hope that Irina will be able to continue her courageous work without pressure and interference.

There is still hope that this verdict will be overturned on appeal. Journalists in Belarus must be able to work freely, without being intimidated. Repression of the media needs to end immediately,” said Mijatović.

The court ruled that Khalip is to be released from house arrest, that she has been under since the end of January 2011.

Another Belarusian journalist, Andrzej Poczobut, is awaiting trial charged with defamation of President Aleksandr Lukashenko, and the Information Ministry recently filed lawsuits to close two of Belarus’ largest independent newspapers, Nasha Niva and Narodnaya Volya. 

“I am still hopeful to be given an opportunity to visit Belarus in the nearest future, to meet all concerned, and to assist the country in finding a way out of the current media freedom crisis,” concluded Mijatović.