Zhanna Litvina: Belarus takes the lead in repressions against journalists
- 4.03.2011, 0:44
Head of the Belarusian Association of Journalists commented on the sentence passed to Aleksandr Otroschenkov:
“The court’s resolution, 4 years of imprisonment for the journalist for being in a place of high social importance, makes me ponder on the motivation behind it,” Zhanna Litvina remarked. “Belarus has beaten all records of repressions against journalists… All political campaigns of such significance result in harder pressure on journalists and the media. Today’s court is another evidence of the repressions, and our colleagues, as well as politicians and human rights activists are in the epicenter. But I am convinced that no matter how hard they try to silent journalists, our colleagues will stay faithful to their profession. Our work is to provide open and diverse information that the society needs so much, and nobody will do it for us.”
According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, on 2 March Zhanna Litvinova was participating in the opening of a photo exhibition “19 December as Seen by Journalists” held in Brussels. The opening was attended by Aidan White, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Journalists. In his opening speech he expressed concern with the freedom of speech in Belarus and solidarity with Belarusian journalists, in particular with those persecuted after 19 December.
The sentence of Aleksandr Otroschenkov was passed after the opening of the photo exhibition. It was discussed at a meeting of journalists with European parliament deputy Jacek Protasiewicz. “The deputy is deeply concerned by how severe the sentences on “19 December case” are”, Zhanna Litvina said.