In a rare development, the Belarusian general prosecutor, Grigory
Vasilevich, stepped up for journalists and defended their right to report on ongoing political protests. According to a statement issued by his
press office on Friday, Vasilevich sent a letter to Interior Minister Anatoly
Kuleshov in which he reminded his colleague of journalists' rights under the law.
While noting that police have a duty to protect public order and that
journalists have an obligation to comply with national laws, Vasilevich urged
Kuleshov to instruct police to do their work without obstructing reporters.
Do you believe the free flow of information must be protected? Sign the #RightToReport petition and demand that President Obama immediately:
1. Issue a presidential policy directive prohibiting the hacking and surveillance of journalists and media organizations.
2. Limit aggressive prosecutions that ensnare journalists and intimidate whistleblowers.
3. Prevent the harassment of journalists at the U.S. border.
Or click here to see the full petition, and join leading journalists like Christiane Amanpour, The Guardian’s Alan Rusbridger, Editor of the AP Kathleen Carroll, and Arianna Huffington in signing on.
https://cpj.org