On Aug. 25, the Board of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) recognized its decision in the case of the organization’s deputy chair, Barys Haretski, as fully implemented. As of that day, restrictions on his performance of representative and leadership functions within the BAJ were lifted.
The BAJ Board had suspended Haretski from representative and leadership functions for 12 months from Aug. 14, 2025, when an investigation into him began. He was also subject to restrictions on business contacts and required to undergo training on preventing harassment and violations of personal boundaries in professional activities.
At its Aug. 25 meeting, the BAJ ruled that Haretski had fulfilled all the requirements stipulated by the decision. In particular, since Aug. 14, 2025, he had not performed representative or leadership functions within the organization, complied with the restrictions imposed and completed the required training.
Haretski also completed training on the organization’s gender policy and combating harassment, as well as the educational program “Men for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination, Against Violence and Harassment,” organized by the Social Policy Representation of the United Transitional Cabinet and the Swedish organization MÄN in cooperation with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
In connection with the fulfillment of these requirements, the BAJ Board ruled that the decision of Dec. 23, 2025, should be considered implemented and lifted the restrictions on Haretski as of Aug. 25. He can once again perform representative and leadership functions as deputy chair of the BAJ in accordance with the organization’s charter and work plans.
In addition, the Board approved a draft gender policy for the BAJ and submitted it to the organization’s Council for consideration in September.
The BAJ Board began proceedings in August 2025 over possible instances of harassment by BAJ deputy chair Barys Haretski. Haretski himself approached the Board with information about the allegations. On Oct. 17 last year, the BAJ Board considered the final report of the authorized officials based on the collection of information. One statement was received from a person who considered herself a victim. The complainant declined further communication. The information obtained was insufficient to determine whether Haretski’s actions constituted harassment.
The BAJ Board extended the proceedings until Dec. 1 and brought in an external expert to assess the case. On Dec. 17, the expert provided her findings. Under the Board’s decision of Dec. 23, 2025, Haretski was temporarily suspended from performing leadership functions within the organization.
