Minsk threatens to ban foreign media for ‘hostile actions’
Belarusian authorities made it possible to ban the activities of foreign media in the country. The republic’s ruler Alexander Lukashenko has signed the relevant law, Minsk reported on Saturday, July 1.
The innovations allow for a ban on the activities of foreign media in Belarus “in case of hostile actions by foreign states” towards Belarusian media. In addition, Minsk has expanded the list of reasons for canceling the certificate of state registration of mass media and restricting access to Internet resources, including information. Belarusian authorities explained their actions by the intention of improving “mechanisms for protecting national interests in the media sphere”.
The fate of independent media after the elections in Belarus
In August 2020, presidential elections were held in Belarus, after which the CEC announced the victory of Alexander Lukashenko with a score of more than 80%. On election day, mass protests began in the country, which lasted for several months. Speeches by citizens convinced of the falsification of election results were severely repressed by the security forces.
In the summer of 2021, official Minsk liquidated all independent media in the republic. Belarusian authorities have recognized several hundred Internet resources as extremist.
Source: DW
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