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September 11, 2025 – Belarus –
Belarus freed at least eight journalists who had been imprisoned, some for several years, as part of a larger political prisoner release involving 52 detainees in total. This move came alongside the United States lifting certain sanctions imposed on Belavia, the national airline of Belarus.
The released journalists include:
- Iryna Slaunikava (Belsat TV) has been detained since October 2021.
- Pavel Mazheika (Belsat TV), since August 2022.
- Yauhen Merkis, freelancer, from September 2022.
- Larysa Shchyrakova, freelancer, since December 2022.
- Alyaksandr Mantsevich, editor-in-chief of Rehiyanalnaya Gazeta, since March 2023.
- Alena Tsimashchuk, freelancer, since October 2023.
- Vyacheslau Lazarau, freelance camera operator, since February 2023.
- Pavel Padabed, freelance camera operator, since January 2023.
Also included in the broader list of released prisoners is Ihar Losik, a prominent blogger and consultant for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, detained since June 2020 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Though his case is recognized by press-freedom groups, CPJ has noted that he was not counted in its “journalists-only” prison census.
The sanctions relief for Belavia permits it to service existing aircraft and acquire necessary components, most notably for Boeing planes. The move is being interpreted as part of diplomatic efforts to recalibrate Belarus’s relations with the West.
However, human rights organizations warn that despite this positive step, many issues remain unresolved. There are still over 20 journalists jailed in Belarus, many on vague or politically motivated charges, as well as hundreds of political prisoners in general. Observers are urging Belarusian authorities to follow through with broader reforms—especially in legal standards, free speech protections, and transparency.
Reference –
Belarus frees at least 8 journalists unjustly detained for years
