Laurynas Kasciunas: Speculations That Lukashenka Regime Can Change Seem Absolute Nonsense

The member of the Lithuanian Seimas believes that the Russian media dominate in Belarus.

Member of the Lithuanian Seimas Laurynas Kasciunas said this, commenting on the blocking of the website Сharter97.org:

- I assess this step categorically negatively. This proves once again that all “liberalization”, speculation that the Lukashenka regime can change is complete nonsense. If you are afraid of something and are going to block an independent site - it's not serious. Such actions are not permissible in democratic countries. I very categorically evaluate such actions of the Belarusian authorities.

- The website Сharter97.org remains the leading information portal, which is read by about 3 million visitors a month. How can its blocking affect the information space of Belarus?

- Everything is very simple. If there is no alternative to the Russian media, it will be in favour of the Kremlin. Charter’97 blocking is another step towards the Russian media strengthening their positions in Belarus.

- Belarus is very integrated into a military alliance with Russia. You can recall the exercises West-2017, which took place at the territory of Belarus. Does the current situation threaten the Baltic countries?

- We analyze how the Lukashenka regime can be dangerous for the Baltic region. It seems obvious with the naked eye that the opportunities and space of the official Minsk are narrowing. Belarus loses its sovereignty.

- How should the West react to the blocking of the website Charter97.org?

- There should be a stronger reaction to the blocking of Charter97.org. European politicians are mistaken if they think that it is possible to play with Lukashenka's regime. A good counterargument would be to strengthen the financing of independent media in Belarus, so that they get more free resources.

It will be recalled that on January 24 Lukashenka blocked an independent information source Charter97.org. The first Deputy Minister of Information Ihar Lutski confirmed the blocking access.

One can you the instruction to bypass the blocking:

- The easiest way to read Charter'97

- How to bypass the blocking of the website "Charter-97"

- How to bypass the blocking on Android and iOS

- Change DNS on your computer and read the Charter

Detailed instructions on how to bypass the blocking of Charter97.org are here.