Brussels, 19 May 2021 - "We strongly condemn the unrelenting repression by Aliaksandr Lukashenka's regime against independent media, underscored by yesterday's crackdown on Tut.by - the most influential online media outlet in Belarus.
The authorities have raided Tut.by's editorial office and regional branches, searched the homes of several of its staff members and initiated criminal proceedings on far-fetched tax evasion grounds. In addition, at the Prosecutor General's request, the Ministry of Information has blocked its website, invoking alleged violations of the highly controversial law on mass media. By now, at least thirteen Tut.by journalists and staff members are still being detained, while the whereabouts of some others are still unknown. [...]
The authorities have raided Tut.by's editorial office and regional branches, searched the homes of several of its staff members and initiated criminal proceedings on far-fetched tax evasion grounds. In addition, at the Prosecutor General's request, the Ministry of Information has blocked its website, invoking alleged violations of the highly controversial law on mass media. By now, at least thirteen Tut.by journalists and staff members are still being detained, while the whereabouts of some others are still unknown. [...]
Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP
