USA Calls on Belarus to Release Journalists Andreeva and Chultsova "Immediately and Unconditionally"

The US Embassy in Belarus issued a statement.

The United States of America, partner countries, and human rights organizations worldwide consider the accusations against Katsiaryna Andreeva and Darja Chultsova, journalists of the Belsat TV channel, outrageous. This is stated in the statement of the US Embassy in Belarus.

The journalists are accused of "organizing actions that grossly violate public order," for which they face up to 3 years in prison. Their trial will begin on February 9 in Minsk.

"The United States calls on the Belarusian authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally, and also, in a broader context, to stop persecuting journalists doing their job," the diplomats said in a statement.

Let us remind you that on November 15, Andreeva and Chultsova were detained after a live broadcast and coverage of the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters who gathered at the "Square of Changes" in Minsk to honor the memory of Raman Bandarenka.

- This case against journalists is one of many examples demonstrating the continuation of politically motivated manipulation of the law by the authorities to silence the media. Strong and independent media outlets and access to information are essential to the rule of law and critical to the success of an open, modern society, - US officials say.