Belarusian Authorities to Put Former RFE/RL Journalist Ihar Karnei on Trial – Sky Bulletin

The trial of Ihar Karnei, a Belarusian former freelancer for Radio Svaboda (the Belarusian arm of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), is set to proceed on March 19 in Minsk. Karnei is being indicted for “participation in an extremist group” as informed by the Belarusian service of RFE/RL and corroborated by the rights group Viasna.

In July 2023, law enforcement agents conducted a search of Karnei’s residence, subsequently detaining him and enforcing a 10-day detention order as detailed in a Facebook post authored by his daughter, Palina Karnei. Devices such as computers and phones were confiscated during the apartment raid.

Journalists in Belarus have faced increasing oppression since 2020, especially in light of mass demonstrations contesting President Alexander Lukashenko’s controversial reelection. As of December 1, 2022, the CPJ prison census placed Belarus in the top five global jurisdictions for the incarceration of journalists, counting at least 26 imprisoned members of the press.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists, an exiled trade and advocacy entity, reported that Karnei was being held at the Akrestina temporary detention center in Minsk.

In its 2023 prison census, the Committee to Protect Journalists listed Belarus as the third-highest worldwide in terms of the number of jailed journalists, documenting at least 28 incarcerations.

Investigative Report: Russian Red Cross Employed as a Propaganda Instrument by the Kremlin

An investigative team’s report released on February 27th by VSquare has revealed the Kremlin’s manipulation of the Russian Red Cross (RRC). By allocating state funds and implanting loyal figures within the organization, the Kremlin has been able to repurpose the RRC as a propaganda mechanism, thereby disregarding the core humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence.

FAQs About the Trial of Ihar Karnei

1. Who is Ihar Karnei?
   Ihar Karnei is a former freelance journalist who worked with Radio Svaboda, the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
2. What are the charges against Ihar Karnei?
   He is charged with “participation in an extremist group” by Belarusian authorities.
3. When is his trial set to take place?
   The trial is scheduled for March 19 in Minsk.
4. What has been the international response to the charges?
   Various human rights organizations and journalist advocacy groups have publicized the case, highlighting the crackdown on press freedom in Belarus.
5. How many journalists are currently imprisoned in Belarus?
   According to CPJ’s 2023 prison census, there are at least 28 journalists imprisoned in Belarus, making it one of the world’s worst jailers of journalists.

Conclusion

The pending trial of Ihar Karnei exemplifies the ongoing suppression of free press in Belarus. Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists continue to monitor and advocate for the rights of journalists in such restrictive environments. The situation calls for international attention and action to uphold the principles of free speech and journalistic integrity.

Note: This article is based on information rewoven from multiple sources available on the internet and does not claim originality of content. The original source can be referenced at https://kyivindependent.com/journalist-ihar-karnei-to-be-tried-in-belarus-for-participation-in-extremist-group/.