The embassies of the United Kingdom and Sweden, along with the European Union delegation to Belarus, called for the release of detained journalists in Belarus on World Press Freedom Day.
In a statement published on Facebook, the diplomatic missions recalled that Belarus ranks 166th in the latest Press Freedom Index, and that journalists in the country face persecution, prison sentences, and repression for their work.
“On World Press Freedom Day, we emphasize the key role of free, independent media and the courage of journalists. In the latest Press Freedom Index, Belarus ranks 166th — one of the worst in the world. Journalists face persecution, prison sentences, and repression for telling the truth. We call for a free press in Belarus and the release of all detained journalists”, the statement said.
