European Belarus for free Internet (Photo)

Activists of the civil campaign European Belarus held some actions against censorship on the Internet.

Graffiti “Freedom to ByNet!” and “Freedom to Internet!” appeared in Minsk’s districts. Leaflets with information about consequences of the decree on the Internet for users appeared near Internet cafes in the city center.

Besides, a performance was showed near the National Library. European Belarus activists left an axe forced into a monitor there.

We remind that the Decree on the National Segment of the Internet signed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka comes into force on July 1. The content of the decree was criticized by the Belarusian media community and international human rights groups, including OSCE. Independent experts have no doubts that Lukashenka’s decree is aimed at blocking opposition web resources ahead of the presidential elections.

One of the clauses which causes concern is: “Upon the request of a user, providers of Internet services effect services limiting access to information which is aimed at extremist activities”. The Belarusian authorities are known of accusing the opposition of "extremism".