Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya issued a statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and observed on May 3 since 1994.
She noted that freedom of the press reflects processes taking place in society, and that behind every report by Belarusian journalists lies not only professional responsibility but also personal risk.
“Belarusian journalists who honestly do their work pay a high price for it: arrests, imprisonment and forced exile. Yet Belarusian media continue to develop and operate — in exile, under political persecution, without normal working conditions, finding solutions even where it seems there are none”, the politician wrote.
Tsikhanouskaya pointed out that today all independent media operate from abroad, while around 80% of their audience remains in Belarus.
“This underscores not only the professionalism of journalists but also the strong demand among Belarusians for truthful, alternative information. The authorities are trying to destroy this truth — through censorship, blocking and intimidation. But the truth finds a way. A way through Belarusian independent journalism”, she said.
“Today I want to thank all journalists — those in prison, in exile and inside the country who continue to work.
Truth is the greatest threat to the regime and the greatest value for the people”, she concluded.
