Belarus Recognises Daughter of Jailed Journalist as a Political Prisoner

Human rights organisations have formally recognised Yanina Pazniak, the **20-year-old daughter of Belarusian journalist Kiryl Pazniak, as a political prisoner, underscoring the deepening repression against independent media and dissenting voices in Belarus. The designation was confirmed by rights defenders, including the Viasna Human Rights Centre, which monitors political detentions in the country. The move highlights ongoing concerns about the Belarusian government’s use of criminal charges to suppress freedom of expression and intimidate journalists and their families.

Yanina’s detention dates back to September 4, 2025, when the Belarusian KGB designated the YouTube channel Platform 375 an “extremist formation” and subsequently arrested her father, Kiryl Pazniak, in connection with the outlet’s activities. On the same day, authorities also detained Yanina and charged her with alleged involvement with the extremist organisation — a charge widely criticised by human rights groups as politically motivated and lacking a legitimate legal basis.

The recognition as a political prisoner carries significant symbolic weight in Belarus, where such designations are used by human rights defenders to identify individuals held on charges they believe are intended to punish legitimate expression rather than genuine criminal conduct. The Viasna Human Rights Centre’s statement argued that Yanina’s prosecution stemmed from her exercise of freedom of expression and dissemination of information, making it part of a broader pattern of political repression.

Analysts note that Belarus has increasingly wielded vague and expansive “extremism” laws to criminalise journalists, activists, and civil society actors. Independent reporting, commentary, and even association with media platforms critical of the government have been cited as grounds for detention in recent years as authorities seek to eliminate dissent and tighten control over the information environment.

Human rights organisations have documented a sharp decline in media freedom and civic space in Belarus, with widespread arrests, prosecutions, and sentences against journalists and activists for their work or online posts. These actions are part of a broader crackdown since the disputed 2020 presidential election, during which tens of thousands of opponents were arrested, and civil liberties were curtailed.

The inclusion of Yanina Pazniak on the list of recognised political prisoners underscores the regime’s willingness to extend punitive measures beyond journalists themselves to include family members, further chilling independent reporting and civic engagement. Rights groups continue to call for her immediate release and urge international actors to hold Belarus accountable for violations of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression.