Gagged by crude power
The media and media policy in Belarus
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
In the Belarusian media landscape, the state has played a central role. However, the significance of the state media is declining as the Internet becomes an increasingly important source of information. Here, the field is dominated by independent media and individual bloggers. The louder their criticism of the Lukashenka regime, the more severe the measures taken in response became. The regime has now issued more stringent statutory regulations. Journalists are being threatened with the loss of their accreditation, politically motivated judicial proceedings, financial penalties, prison sentences and, to an increasing extent, with physical violence. The support of the independent media against such measures is increasing in society.
(Osteuropa 10-11/2020, pp. 241–254)