The European Federation of Journalists Demanded the Immediate Release of Yulia Slutskaya and Her Colleagues

Repression of the independent press must end.

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) demanded an immediate end to repressions against journalists and the release of the Press Club representatives detained the day before. The corresponding statement is posted on the organization's website, tut.by writes.

As the organization notes, after the introduction of new sanctions by the EU, Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makei announced retaliatory measures against Belarusian organizations that operate with the support of foreign embassies: "Among the first victims of this new wave of repression is Yulia Slutskaya, founder of the Press Club Belarus, Member of the Board of BAJ."

Searches also took place at several employees of the press club, including Ala Sharko, Siarhei Alsheuski, Siarhei Yakupau.

"This repression must end immediately. We demand the release of Yulia and all her colleagues. We call on the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE to respond decisively to this new wave of repression," said EFJ President Mogens Blicher Bjerregard.

Let us remind you that on December 22, security officials came to the Belarusian Press Club. After that, at least six people who are related to the organization stopped contacting.