Journalism rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Belarus' government of “waging a terrible war” against journalists and freedom of speech, as it lodged an official complaint with the United Nations.
In recent months, amid crackdowns on the frequent protests that have been ongoing following the disputed reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko, journalists have been arrested by police and charged with alleged criminal acts.
Rights groups say this is to stop the coverage of the protests, which have seen unprecedented numbers of people take the streets week after week, calling for free and fair elections and the end of Lukashenko’s rule.