Statement on “World Press Freedom Day” :: Charter'97 :: News

On this day, World Press Freedom Day, the United States Embassy honors all Belarusian journalists, who strive to bring truth and open debate to the people of Belarus under difficult conditions. The United States also commemorates and honors all members of the free press in Belarus who have been killed, unjustly jailed or otherwise punished in pursuit of the truth. We express our solidarity with them and their families.

A free and open press is one of the essential foundations for building a truly democratic society and protecting the rights of citizens from abuse. Americans in particular value an independent media as it has protected Americans for over two hundred years by exposing abuses and continues to perform this crucial function to this day. The United States has frequently criticized the state monopoly on most media in Belarus and condemned the state’s blatant repression and
harassment of free, independent media outlets and the journalistic profession.

On this day, the United States calls upon Belarusian authorities to respect and protect the right of all Belarusian citizens and all Belarusian journalists to enjoy a free press as guaranteed under the Belarusian Constitution and to uphold its obligations to protect the free press as a member of the OSCE and the UN.