Belarusian Association of Journalists receives Ukrainian Prize for Protection of Freedom of Speech


Some say that Belarusian journalists set a good example for Ukrainian journalists in how to fight for their rights.

Chairman of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine Serhiy Tomilenko (left) and Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists of Belarus Baris Haretski (right) during the awarding of the Ihor Lubchenko National Prize for Protection of Freedom of Speech to BAJ. Kyiv, Ukraine. November 27, 2021.
Photo: baj.by

The secretariat of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine has awarded the Belarusian Association of Journalists the Ihor Lubchenko National Prize for Protection of Freedom of Speech, reports BAJ.

The award is a sign of solidarity and support coming from Ukrainian colleagues, explained the chairman Serhiy Tomilenko.

“Over the past year, independent Belarusian journalists have been subjected to severe pressure by the authorities, hundreds of colleagues have become victims of beatings and repression, dozens have been sent to jail,” he said at a ceremony in Kyiv. ” The Belarusian Association of Journalists expressed its solidarity with the repressed colleagues. That is why Lukashenka’s regime persecutes the BAJ leadership and deprives the organization of registration. Our colleagues from Belarus set an example for all Ukrainian journalists in how to fight for their rights and be faithful to the values of freedom of speech and our profession.”

At the same ceremony, the prize of Pavel Sheremet was awarded to the Crimean journalist of Radio Liberty Mikalai Semen.

BAJ has been “liquidated” by the Belarusian authorities along with more than 270 other non-governmental organizations. But the association continues its work in exile.

belsat.eu

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