In Estonia, former Belarusian journalist Ksenia Lutskina recounts her experience of being imprisoned for attempting to challenge the government’s authority. Freed after serving half of her eight-year sentence due to a brain tumor, Lutskina reflects on the dangers journalists now face in Belarus while residing in Vilnius, Lithuania. “I was literally brought to the penal colony in a wheelchair, and I realized that journalism has really turned into a life-threatening profession in Belarus,” Lutskina shared in an interview.
Dozens of journalists are currently detained in Belarus. Activists and previous detainees report that these journalists endure harsh conditions and are often denied access to adequate medical care or communication with their legal representatives and families. Amnesty International describes the prison conditions as reminiscent of the oppressive Soviet era.
Belarus reportedly leads Europe in imprisoning journalists, with around 40 individuals currently serving extended prison terms. This situation unfolds amidst a backdrop of political unrest that emerged following the 2020 presidential election. The election outcome, viewed as fraudulent by many observers, resulted in nationwide protests as President Alexander Lukashenko continued his authoritarian rule.
Lutskina, previously a documentary producer for Belarus’ state broadcaster, abandoned her position to report on the opposition movements. She was subsequently arrested, tried, and convicted in 2020 while attempting to establish an independent network to verify official communications. Many journalists, choosing to flee the country, continue their work from abroad despite facing severe funding challenges due to the cessation of U.S. financial aid.
The intense government crackdown following the disputed election notably led to over 65,000 arrests, including many members of the media. Among those jailed is Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent human rights defender. The authorities’ actions have also forced many journalists to seek refuge beyond Belarus’s borders, but they often continue to experience pressure from afar.
The regime uses extremism allegations to jail both reporters and ordinary citizens who criticize the government. Even indirect association with banned media can lead to severe repercussions, including imprisonment.
Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist and significant figure within the Belarusian Polish community, currently serves an extended prison term in a penal colony. Poczobut’s condition has been aggravated by lengthy periods in solitary confinement, raising international concern. Moreover, Maryna Zolatava, previously the editor of Belarus’s leading independent news platform Tut.By, is serving a 12-year sentence after being convicted of inciting supposed threats to national security. Despite international efforts for their release, many journalists remain behind bars.
Belarusian analyst Valery Karbalevich asserts that Lukashenko views political prisoners as bargaining chips, facilitating their release to mend international relations and alleviate economic sanctions on Belarus.
Following pressure from the international community, there have been sporadic efforts to release some detainees. This has included releases of U.S. citizens and journalists, alongside gestures aimed at improving diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the ongoing situation continues to pose significant risks to those seeking to report freely within the region.
As Lutskina continues her battle with a serious medical condition, she emphasizes the oppressive nature of life in Belarus, drawing comparisons to George Orwell’s “1984,” a novel banned in her homeland. She and her teenage son, who accompanied her to Lithuania, observe disturbing parallels in Belarus’s current environment, characterized by fear and oppression. Lutskina’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many journalists striving to uphold the truth in difficult circumstances.