Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I always say that the media is the ‘fourth estate’. Yes, they can be critical – and sometimes that’s uncomfortable. They expose our shortcomings and failures – which can be frustrating. But it is journalists who prevent those in power from stagnating. Thanks to them, we correct mistakes, hear what truly matters, and see what is being hidden from us.
Free media is a key indicator of a free society. But in Belarus, we see the opposite reality. Journalists in our country are silenced, forced into exile, and even threatened abroad. Belarus leads Europe in the number of imprisoned journalists. This is a catastrophe.
Why is this happening? Because the regime fears the truth and seeks to silence independent voices. State-controlled media ignore crucial events, while independent journalists – despite the risks – continue to report on what truly matters. This was evident in Khoiniki when a Russian drone crashed and only independent media reported it, while the authorities pretended nothing had happened.
Belarusian journalists carry out incredibly important work every day at the cost of their property, their families, and their freedom. Yet, despite these hardships, they continue to fight for free speech and prevent people from being trapped in an information bubble. And when journalists are imprisoned for their work, society loses its voice.
That is why I fight for independent media and seek support for them. I always tell my team and colleagues that our relationship with the media must be open and honest.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental value that we must protect together”.
