“Dear Friends,
Dear journalists,
I am happy to greet you!
I know that it has hardly ever been easy for the independent Belarusian journalism to exist. It would be naïve to say that manhunt on journalists began in 2020. Zmitser Zavadsky went missing 22 years ago. Veranika Charkasava was killed in 2004.
In Belarus, journalists of principle have always been held at gunpoint by the regime. However, 28 years was not enough for it to mop up and assume control over the information field. Truth has always found its way through the propaganda avalanche. In spite of repressions and constant pressure on mass media.
For this, dear journalists, I want to thank you from my heart and on behalf of the Belarusian people. Thank you very much for the courage you display working despite the shortage of people and resources. I greatly appreciate both your support and the critical comments you make, when necessary, in relation to our activities. I am heartily thankful for your never forgetting the cause we are all working for.
Among the people kept today in inhuman conditions in Belarusian prisons and detention facilities are:
Yahor Martsinovich,
Maryna Zolatava,
Katsyaryna Andreyeva,
Sasha Ivulin,
Ihar Losik,
Kseniya Lutskina.
Dozens of talented, competent people are held in total isolation being subjected to tortures. And only because they were doing their job.
In spite of the scale of repression, you have not given up. On the contrary, you have tripled your efforts. To have your colleagues free as soon as possible. To prevent Belarusians from being befooled again with tales about stability or imaginary enemies.
Despite all efforts of Russian and Belarusian propaganda, Belarusians know for sure where the enemy is. And together with journalists, they find ways to spread the truth. Thousands of Belarusians risk being thrown into prison for printing out and distributing honest news discreetly. They share important information with independent mass media and initiatives. In the times of attacks on media, people have come to assist you.
And I am thankful to each of those people. I thank each of you. I am proud of the scale of civic spirit and engagement which you brought to Belarus. I know that these dismal times will come to an end. While this spirit, thirst for truth and responsibility for our future will remain with us and will help us build a free country.
Dear friends,
I want to thank the Belarusian Association of Journalists for fighting for the rights of your colleagues.
I am grateful to the Lithuanian Union of Journalists for the invaluable support and solidarity.
I am thankful to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Friends of Belarus group, and international organizations for their assistance to our media and civic activists.
Due to your support, independent mass media continue their work and Belarusians may obtain reliable information and resist propaganda.
Today, when the war has broken out not only in the information field, but in real life too; when Belarusians risk not only being put to prison, but losing their home at all, losing their independence – it is of prime importance to us not to have Belarus off the agenda, even for a single moment. Every crime committed by Lukashenka’s regime, whether against Belarusians or the people of Ukraine, should be highlighted and become the basis for investigations and future trials.
Today, Belarusian journalists, independent media and citizen initiatives need support more than ever. At every international meeting, I appeal for help to independent media. My team have been doing their best to simplify procedures of relocation and visa issuance. Without independent media, we will not be able to build a strong democracy in Belarus.
Our struggle for freedom and independence has turned out to be longer, harder and more exhausting than we imagined it to be. And I admire every single person who perseveres in this struggle, who has not broken down and keeps up. I know that the current circumstances seem far more discouraging. But due to your efforts, we have a chance to get our country back to its people.
This is why, each of us should do their bit, day after day. We should keep in mind that our duty is to create, not destroy; to unite the nation, not divide it. I would like to remind you that for us, your readers, listeners and viewers, you are heroes. This responsibility is hard to bear, but we know that you are ready for it.
Thank you.
Long live Belarus!”
