Belarus: EFJ Annual Meeting adopted resolution in solidarity with BAJ
The annual meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, on 8-9 October, unanimously adopted a resolution on the dissolution of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), an EFJ affiliate.
On 27 August 2021, the Belarus Supreme Court dissolved the BAJ, the only independent representative organisation of journalists and media workers in Belarus, as part of the unprecedented purge against journalists, media outlets, as well as other civil society organisations.
By adopting this resolution, journalists’ organisations from all over Europe expressed solidarity with their colleagues in Belarus. The EFJ will continue to assist BAJ to maintain its existence and activities.
Motion in solidarity with @baj_by and Belarusian journalists unanimously adopted by #EFJAM2021 pic.twitter.com/FcwAuEO5TQ
— Ricardo Gutiérrez (@Molenews1) October 9, 2021
Resolution
1. On the dissolution of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ)
Tabled by DJV (Germany)
The annual meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, on 8-9 October 2021,
noting that on 27th August 2021 the Belarusian supreme court dissolved the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ),
noting, that this liquidation of the country’s biggest independent journalists’ association is the latest part of an ongoing attack on the freedom of the press and the freedom of association in Belarus and leaves journalists with one less option to turn to for support,
noting, that an international coordinated response is required, since Lukaschenko has demonstrated his willingness to use drastic measures and that many other non governmental organisations targeted for dissolution,
The EFJ Annual Meeting asks the Steering Committee:
– to urge the European Commission and the European Parliament to impose sanctions on the regime in Belarus so that BAJ can continue its mission;
– to assist BAJ and their members in continuing their work after the ruling of disorganisation from the Belarusian Supreme Court.
– to encourage EFJ members to offer visiting scholarships to Journalists from Belarus that invite them to their respective Country.
