Solidarity Marathon for Imprisoned Belarusian Journalists held in Canada
The solidarity marathon, initiated by BAJ in May 2023, reached North America. Representatives of the global network for the protection and promotion of freedom of expression, IFEX, held a rally near Toronto City Hall. They came out with portraits of imprisoned Belarusian journalists. Thus, despite censors and dictators’ efforts, the truth thrives around the world.
“Over the past three years, IFEX has observed a rise in attacks on freedom of expression and access to information in Belarus. Civil society organizations have been suppressed, human rights defenders have fled the country, and journalists are being unjustly imprisoned. There are no signs of repression slowing down,” the network’s staff stated in a commentary for BAJ.
IFEX was founded in 1992 in Montreal. Multiple non-governmental organizations agreed to work together to support freedom of expression. Today, over 100 network members in 70 countries collaborate to protect and promote these values. The UN recognized November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, thanks to IFEX’s efforts.
During the Solidarity Marathon, participants held portraits of their imprisoned colleagues, including Andrzej Poczobut, Maryna Zolatava, Ihar Losik, and Aliaksandr Mantsevich.
“We gathered to stand in solidarity with over 30 journalists who are currently imprisoned in Belarus. Women journalists, in particular, are disproportionately subjected to violence,” emphasized the Marathon participants.
IFEX aims to increase awareness and gain support from the global community. It is important to have civic space for a healthy and prosperous democracy. They encourage others to join the campaign and spread the word.
BAJ calls on journalists around the world to support the solidarity action! You can print portraits of imprisoned Belarusian media workers, take pictures with them in outstanding places in your city (outside Belarus) and post them on social media using the hashtags #СвабодуЖурналістам and #BecauseTheJournalist. Don’t forget to send them to intercomm@baj.media.
#СвабодуЖурналістам
#BecauseTheJournalist