Belarus Releases Veteran Journalist Maryna Zolatava After Four-Plus Years Behind Bars

Her release marks both relief and ongoing concern for press freedom in Belarus

Belarusian authorities have released veteran journalist Maryna Zolatava after more than four years in detention, a development welcomed by international press-freedom advocates as overdue recognition of her right to free expression. Zolatava, former editor of the independent news outlet Tut.by, was arrested in 2021 amid a broader government crackdown on independent media and later sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony on charges rights groups widely criticised as politically motivated. During her imprisonment, Tut.by was effectively dismantled, and independent journalism in Belarus faced intensifying repression. Zolatava’s case became emblematic of efforts by the Lukashenko government to silence critical reporting and control public discourse. Her release has been praised by organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, which noted that her prolonged incarceration should never have occurred. While her freedom is a positive step, advocates stress that many journalists and critics remain detained and call on Belarusian authorities to end politically driven prosecutions and respect media freedom.

To read the full story: https://tjcproject.org/belarus-releases-veteran-journalist-maryna-zolatava-after-four-plus-years-behind-bars/