Deutschlandradio: Belarusian MFA takes revenge for sanctions

• 10.08.2012, 9:04

Deutschlandradio correspondent  Gesine Dornblüth did not receive accreditation in Belarus.

“The Ambassador of Belarus to Berlin offered Deutschlandradio to repeat its request not earlier than in a year. Besides, Deutschlandradio can try to request for accreditation for another correspondent. Earlier, all German journalists with accreditation in Moscow received accreditation in the neighbouring country without problems,” BelaPAN news agency quotes the radio station.

According to Dornblüth, she visited Belarus last year to cover “the strained social situation and the resulting discontent in the country”. “I even interviewed critics of the government in regions. Perhaps, it made officials angry. I do not rule out Belarus takes revenge upon me for the EU sanctions and Deutschlandradio just appeared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” the journalist said.

Dornblüth said the accreditation denial “fits into the portrait of the authoritarian ruler who takes brutal measures against any form of criticism”. “Luakshenka's remark 'It's better to be a dictator than gay' tell us much,” she noted bearing in mind the attitude of the Belarusian head of state to the sexual orientation of German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.