Affiliated media: Vitebsky Kurier News, News website

Incident date: December 21, 2021

Attack type:

• Shutting down a media outlet / blocking an Internet site/ seizure of an entire print run

Who attacked: Authorities

Source: Belarusian Association of Journalists

Location: Belarus, Vitsebsk

Additional information:

Access to the website Vitebsky Kurier News was restricted by the decision of the Vitsebsk Region Prosecutor Ihar Ukrainets. According to the prosecutor, the Internet resource violated the laws of the Republic of Belarus «On Mass Media» and «On Countering Extremism». «In particular, the inspection established the facts of publication by the website of information defaming business reputation and discrediting state bodies and their officials, as well as other prohibited information that could harm the national interests of the Republic of Belarus. The materials were aimed at popularisation and propaganda of extremist activities», — the information service of the prosecutor’s office reported.