Poland’s PAP news agency says the inclusion of its website on the Belarusian Information Ministry’s list of “extremist materials” is an attempt to restrict access to reliable information.
“We regard the Belarusian court’s decision as an attempt to limit access to reliable and independent information. The Polish Press Agency will continue to cover developments in Belarus in accordance with the standards of professional journalism.
This decision will not change our principles or methods of work. At the same time, we attach particular importance to the safety of our sources and audiences in Belarus,” the agency’s Director General, Marek Błoński, said.
As previously reported, the Horki District Court in the Mahiliou region ruled on July 28 that the PAP website should be designated as “extremist material”. The agency was added to the Information Ministry’s list yesterday.
It should be noted that the Belarusian authorities use accusations of extremism to target opponents of Aliaksandr Lukashenka and dissent more broadly.
