Al Jazeera Condemns Israeli Strike as World Decries Killing of Gaza Journalists
August 26, 2025
Belarusian Journalist Aleh Supruniuk Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for “Extremism”
August 26, 2025
August 26, 2025 – Belgium –
The International Press Association (API‑IPA) has urgently called on Belgian authorities to halt the expulsion of journalist Margarita Zuaui and her 18-year-old son, following the termination of her residency under family reunification grounds. API‑IPA president Dafydd ab Iago emphasised that Zuaui and her son have fully complied with legal requirements and have been living in Belgium for years, stressing the importance of their right to remain and continue working as journalists under European principles of proportionality and fairness.
Zuaui, a Russian national and API‑IPA member since 2023, has resided in Belgium since August 28, 2020. She is well integrated, speaking local languages, actively participating in community and educational settings, and retains a valid Belgian press accreditation as an independent journalist. Previously accredited as a correspondent for RIA Novosti, she now risks losing her residency due to the termination of her husband’s prior status, which originally facilitated their family reunification. Her husband has complied with a Belgian order to leave by June 25 and is contesting the decision through legal channels
Adding to the concern, API‑IPA highlighted that Zuaui’s EU press accreditation was revoked because accreditation might constitute giving “economic resources to sanctioned entities.” This abrupt reinterpretation marks a troubling shift, as for the past three years, accreditation to EU institutions and a Belgian press card were never considered equivalent to economic support for sanctioned outlets
API‑IPA warns that this change not only jeopardises Zuaui’s rights but also sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom. The association underscored that EU regulations, notably Council Regulation (EU) 2022/350, protect journalistic activity, even for staff of sanctioned entities—unless individuals themselves are sanctioned. These protections were reaffirmed as recently as May 17, 2024, by both the European Commission and the EU Council of Ministers
References –
