BAJ urges to support jailed journalists

International Day of Journalists’ Solidarity is celebrated worldwide on September 8.

This is a good reason to remember and give countenance to the colleagues in prison, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) reminds.

“This is a good reason for all of us to remember our colleagues and BAJ members who has been trapped behind prison bars — Dzmitry Bandarenka, Paval Sevyarynets, Ales Byalyatsky, Alyaksandr Atroshchankau. And not just to remember, but to express personal respect and support to those who got under severe pressure and persecution in connection with the events of December 19 and their consequences. Each of us can find sincere words and some time to send a letter or a telegram to the prisoners,” wrote deputy chairman of the BAJ Andrei Bastunets.

The addresses of the imprisoned journalists could be found at the BAJ official website.

Besides, as said by Bastunets, every journalist can express words of support to the colleagues who had been sentenced to a punishment other than a prison term for executing their professional duties. “They are Iryna Khalip. Andrei Poczobut, Syarhei Vaznyak, Alyaksandr Fyaduta and others. Everyone can call and say words of encouragement to them,” he noted.

The appeal of the BAJ to give countenance to the journalists behind the bars concerns primarily those people whose situation is the worst. “That is why we have urged not only Belarusian journalists, but our international partners to write letters, statements, sent telegrams in their support. It is important for our colleagues not to forget that they are remembered by us, and that we do not give up the fight for their release,” Bastunets said.