05.06.2024 – Russian Court Extends Detention of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva

A Russian court has extended the pretrial detention of Alsu Kurmasheva (Алсу Курмашева), a journalist with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir Service (RFERL – https://www.rferl.org/), until 5 August 2024, amid escalating concerns about press freedom in Russia. Kurmasheva, who holds dual U.S. and Russian citizenship, has been imprisoned since 18 October 2023, on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent and spreading false information about the Russian military.

On 31 May 2024, the Sovetsky District Court in Kazan (Казань) Tatarstan, Russia denied her lawyers’ request to transfer her to house arrest. Despite the closed-door deliberations, representativhttps://webmail.seemo.org/?_task=mail&_action=compose&_id=1447058478665f912b4fb32#responseses from the Australian and Czech Republic embassies and several journalists were allowed to observe other parts of the hearing.

Kurmasheva, who has been unable to see her children and husband, has expressed her deteriorating health and the need for surgery. During the hearing, she shared drawings from children who illustrated freedom, happiness, and joy, noting that these drawings might be the only greenery she sees this summer.

Kurmasheva, born 1976, was arrested in Kazan and charged under Russia’s foreign agent law, which is often used to suppress journalists and civil society activists. She also faces allegations of disseminating falsehoods about the Russian military, charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years if convicted. Critics, including RFE/RL and the United States (U.S.) government, argue that these charges are reprisals for her journalistic work in Prague (Praha), Czech Republic. She was initially detained at Kazan airport on 2 June 2023, while trying to return to Prague after visiting her mother.

Kurmasheva’s plight has garnered international attention. In February, she was nominated for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano 2024 World Press Freedom Prize (https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/cano), recognizing her significant contributions to press freedom despite facing persecution. She is one of four RFE/RL journalists currently imprisoned in Russia on charges linked to their work. The others include Andrey Kuznechyk (Андрэй Кузнечык), Ihar Losik (Ігар Лосік), and Vladyslav Yesypenko (Владислав Јесипенкo), all of whom have faced severe sentences following controversial trials.

As the international community continues to monitor Kurmasheva’s case, the extension of her detention underscores the ongoing challenges facing journalists in Russia and the perilous state of press freedom in the region.

You can read previous SEEMO article on this topic here: https://seemo.org/ressources/07-02-2024-the-ongoing-detention-of-alsu-kurmasheva-and-the-perilous-state-of-press-freedom-in-russia/

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the extended pretrial detention of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. This action is a clear violation of press freedom, a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. SEEMO stand in solidarity with Kurmasheva and all journalists who face persecution for their work. We call on the Russian authorities to respect the principles of free speech and fair trial, and to ensure the safety and well-being of Kurmasheva. SEEMO urges the international community to continue monitoring this case closely and to join us in advocating for press freedom in the region.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the physical attack that occurred on 2 June 2024 on Uglješa Bokić, a journalist for the daily newspaper Danas (https://www.danas.rs/) and demands that the attacker be punished. According to Bokić’s statement to Journalist Association of Serbia – UNS, he was recording during the local election young people leaving the Novi Sad Fair premises in Novi Sad, Serbia when a man allegedly approached, took his phone, and punched him in the chest. You can see the statement and the video of the attack here: https://uns.org.rs/saopstenja/160486/uns-hitno-pronaci-i-kazniti-napadaca-na-ugljesu-bokica-.html

Bokić, who had his “Danas” press card clearly displayed, believes the attacker was aware that he was a journalist. After the assault, Bokić was taken to the Emergency Center, where he was diagnosed with a bruised sternum.

Bokić reported the incident to the police while at the Emergency Center. He said that two inspectors arrived, spoke with him, and said they would forward the case to the prosecution.

Despite the attack, Bokić stated that he feels physically fine and has returned to work. However, he expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as horrifying.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns physical assault on Uglješa Bokić, and calls the authorities in Serbia to urgently arrest the attacker. SEEMO is aksing the authorities to ensure a safe environment for journalists to operate freely and without fear of violence, especially during critical times such as elections, to maintain the public’s access to accurate and timely information.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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A judge in Belgrade, Serbia has filed two lawsuits against KRIK (https://www.krik.rs/), investigative journalism organization and onilne portal. The lawsuits stem from KRIK’s “Judge the Judges” (Prosudi Ko Sudi – https://prosudikosudi.rs/) database, which aims to increase transparency within the Serbian judiciary by examining judges’ careers and assets, including this individual.

This judge claims KRIK’s reporting endangers her by allegedly helping criminals locate her. KRIK strongly disputes this, viewing the lawsuits as unprecedented pressure on media freedom and an attempt to prevent journalists from reporting on the judiciary’s work and integrity.

The judge and her lawyer husband, filed both civil and criminal suits against KRIK journalists Bojana Pavlović and editor-in-chief Stevan Dojčinović. According to Danas daily from Serbia, the civil lawsuit demands 760,000 RSD (approximately 6,500.00 EUR) in damages, while the criminal lawsuit seeks to imprison Pavlović and Dojčinović for ten months each and ban them from journalism for two years.

KRIK maintains that all published information was legally obtained and that no details could compromise the safety of judges or their families. The journalists reached out to this individual for her comments before publication, but she allegedly declined to respond.

Stevan Dojčinović, KRIK’s editor, sees the lawsuits as a major threat to press freedom in Serbia. According to Dojčinović, these lawsuits not only threaten KRIK but also the broader principle of transparency in the judiciary.

KRIK’s “Judge the Judges” database has published profiles of 51 judges, detailing their careers, significant cases, and assets.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the legal actions taken against the journalists of KRIK. Such actions undermine the essential role of the press in holding public officials accountable and threaten the fundamental principles of democracy. SEEMO will monitor this case.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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On 28 May 2024, during a inspection of roadworks in Novi Sad, Serbia an allegedly incident occurred involving a reporter from N1 (https://n1info.rs/) and the media representative of the Novi Sad Mayor.

After the event where high level political representatives were present, the N1 reporter attempted to ask the Mayor of Novi Sad a question. However, she was allegedly prevented from doing so by the mayor’s PR representative. The representative allegedly was stating that questions could not be asked as it was “not according to protocol,” and directed the reporter to send her questions via email instead. You can see the link to the video of what happened here: https://n1info.rs/vesti/video-saradnica-gradonacelnika-novog-sada-sprecila-reporterku-n1-da-postavi-pitanje-unosila-joj-se-u-lice/

This is not the first time the mayor’s PR representative has been known to prevent journalists from asking questions. The N1 editorial team has reported that they have allegedly not been receiving invitations to events involving Mayor, especially during the past few elections.

The incident highlights ongoing issues with press freedom and access to information in Serbia, as journalists from N1 and other critical media outlets face barriers when attempting to engage with public officials. The intervention to stop a critical journalist from performing her duties is a serious concern that underscores the need for transparent and open communication between government officials and the media.

Such actions hinder the fundamental role of the press in holding public officials accountable and ensuring that the public is informed about governmental activities.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will monitor the future activities connected to Novi Sad Mayor and we hope that he will in the future be more open for critical media. SEEMO calls on the relevant authorities to address this incident promptly and ensure that journalists can work without fear of intimidation or harassment.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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On 10 May 2024, Mykhailo Tkach (Михаил Сергеевич Ткач), born 1988, head of the investigation department at Ukrainska Pravda (Украинская правда – https://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/), allegedly received a threatening message. This message was connected to his investigation from April 2024, which exposed the lavish vacations of wealthy Ukrainian youth. The sender of the message proposed a monetary reward and warned, “I advise against putting off your response. I can fight, too.”

The situation escalated on 11 May 2024 when unauthorized attempts were made to access Tkach’s bank account. Additionally, he began receiving numerous calls from unknown numbers and text messages with authorization codes from banking and credit institutions. On 13 May 2024, at least ten Ukrainska Pravda journalists and editors received threatening emails from a anonymous sender. The messages reiterated the threats and suggested that the ability to keep quiet could save lives. The emails were sent to the newsroom, but also to journalists’ private email addresses.

The editorial team of Ukrainska Pravda has reported these threats to state authorities, viewing them as deliberate attempts to intimidate Tkach and other staff members. The City Prosecutor’s Office in Kyiv (Київ), Ukraine announced that the Shevchenkivskyi (Шевченківський район) Police Department in Kyiv, Ukraine is conducting a preliminary investigation into the threats and harassment aimed at preventing journalists from fulfilling their professional duties.

In a statement, Tkach acknowledged the prompt response from law enforcement but highlighted that many cases involving obstruction of journalistic activity remain unsolved.

The series of threats underscores the challenges faced by investigative journalists in Ukraine, particularly those uncovering stories of public interest during a war.

This is not the first threat against Tkach. The jouranlist reported in 2020 that he got information, that a surveillance device had been hidden in his apartment. The police checked his home and found several holes in the attic and a hole in the kitchen ceiling that could be used for spying him. On 17 November 2023 in the evening Tkach was attacked in the village of Kozyn (Kyiv Oblast) when he was reporting.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent threats against Mykhailo Tkach and the journalists of Ukrainska Pravda. Such intimidation tactics aimed at silencing investigative journalists are an egregious assault on press freedom and democratic values. SEEMO calls for a swift and transparent investigation by Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and to uphold their essential role in society. The ability of the press to operate without fear of retribution is fundamental to a free and open society, and these reprehensible threats must not be tolerated. It is important also in the time of war to protect press freedom in the country.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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On Monday 20 May 2024, the editorial team at Nacional (https://www.nacional.hr/) received a alarming message on their official editorial mobile phone. The message accused them for spreading lies, linking them to the attempted murder of Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico.

It is written: “You and those like you carried out an attempted murder of Prime Minister Fico by writing half-truths, lies and inciting against people who do their job – in order to make money. Your triple informant paid for it with his head, and soon all the editors from the ‘axis of evil’ will too. We are waiting for the moment to catch as many of you together as possible so that we don’t waste explosives for just one scavenger. The vultures who survive will start writing the truth and only the truth, not lying, inventing and writing to order just to make money. We are following you and getting more than two will be successful, so write your wills…”

In response to this alarming threat, the editorial staff promptly informed the Minister of the Interior of Croatia, Davor Božinović, and submitted a detailed report to police investigators at the Police Department’s headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia.

For South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), Berislav Jelinić, the editor-in-chief of Nacional, shared his thoughts, stating: “The police have reacted appropriately and in line with the seriousness of the situation. They have kept me informed about the progress of the case throughout the week, and I hope for a successful resolution of the criminal investigation. This is a sinister threat, deliberately crafted, and it alludes to the earlier bomb attack on Ivo Pukanić. It also directly refers to recent statements made by Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković about the media scene, which Nacional published in the form of transcripts and audio recordings just before the recent parliamentary elections, understandably generating significant public interest.”

Ivo Pukanić was a Croatian journalist and media owner. He was founder and editor-in-chief of the Nacional. Since 2001 he was regularly informing the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) via emails, phones and in personal meetings about death threats he is receiving. Ivo Pukanić and his daughter received police protection immediately after the first attempt to kill him in early April 2008. In July 2008, the Croatian police announced to Pukanić that they intended to cancel this protection, which Pukanić expressly opposed. In August 2008 the police canceled the protection. On 23 October 2008 Pukanić was killed when a bomb exploded in front of his car close to the Nacional building at Palmotićeva 3 in the center of Zagreb. Along with Pukanić, Niko Franjić, one of the marketing employees of NCL Media Group, which publishes the weekly magazine Nacional, was also killed. Jelinić, a good friend of Pukanić, has been under police protection for several years.

The South East Europe Media Organisation SEEMO strongly condemns the threats made against the editorial staff of Nacional. The threat represents a grave attack on press freedom and the safety of media professionals. Such intimidation tactics are unacceptable and endanger the fundamental rights of journalists to report the truth without fear. SEEMO stands in solidarity with Nacional and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate these threats and ensure the protection of all journalists and arrested the person or persons responsible for this threat. SEEMO is also asking the leading politicians in Croatian to respect journalist and not to use a language that could be a call for an attack.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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Since November 2020, Alexander Kornyshau (Аляксандр Корнышаў), editor of the online publication “Vitebsky Courier News,” (Витебский курьер news – https://vkurier.news/) is living abroad. On 23 May 2024, Belarusian security forces allegedly conducted a search at his registered address in Vitebsk (Віцебск), Belarus the apartment of his parents, where he no longer has any belongings.

Security forces arrived around 7 a.m., allegedly questioning Kornyshau’s relatives about his journalism activities, the funding of “Vitebsky Courier News,” and his personal contributions to the publication. They claimed they were searching for “extremist informational materials” but found nothing. The agents were also interested in Kornyshau’s assets.

Alexander Kornyshau has not lived with his parents for a long time, and his only personal property in Belarus, a car, was seized by the bank due to unpaid loans. Despite this, security visits to his parents’ home have become frequent since his participation in the “Belarus for Belarusians” program on the Belsat TV channel (https://belsat.eu/en). These visits have allegedly occurred almost monthly.

In April, officers from the Pyershamayski District (Першамайскі раён) Police Department searched for Kornyshau in connection with administrative cases under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Offenses Code for posting “extremist” links. These links directed to materials from “Vitebsky Courier News,” which was labeled as extremist by the Vitebsk Railway District Court on 14 January 2022. Unable to find him, police sent the protocols via personal messages on VKontakte, summoning him for trials on 16 May and 20 May of 2024. However these trials did not appear in the court schedules, leaving Kornyshau uncertain about their outcomes.

Two weeks ago, Kornyshau learned that he had been added to the “extremist list” on the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ website, identified as a participant in the “European Choice” pre-election initiative, which was declared an extremist formation on 10 May 2024.

Alexander Kornyshau’s situation highlights the ongoing repression of independent journalism in Belarus. Despite living abroad, his family continues to face harassment, illustrating the extent of the Belarusian authorities’ crackdown on dissent and freedom of the press.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the ongoing state harassment against Belarusian journalist Alexander Kornyshau and his family. The repeated searches and questioning by security forces at his parents’ home, despite his prolonged absence and lack of any incriminating materials, exemplify the repressive tactics employed by the Belarusian authorities against independent journalism. This targeted persecution, including Kornyshau’s inclusion in the extremist list and the unwarranted pressure on his family, represents a blatant violation of press freedom and human rights. SEEMO urges the Belarusian government to cease these oppressive actions and respect the fundamental rights of journalists and their families.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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20 May 2024, marks the 32 birthday of Igor Losik (Ігар Лосік), born 1992, nearly four of which have been spent in detention. Currently, Losik is serving a 15-year sentence in Novopolotsk (Наваполацк) Colony No. 1, Belarus. This severe punishment is unprecedented among Belarusian independent journalists and bloggers.

Igor Losik, a consultant for the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (https://www.rferl.org/) is also the administrator of the Telegram channel “Belarus of the Brain (Беларусь галаўнога мозгу- BGM – БГМ).”

Belarus of the Brain started in 2011 as a project on Twitter (today X), active from 2013 under @belamova. In 2016, the Telegram channel of the project started and had after several years close to 400,000 subscribers.

Losik was arrested on 25 June 2020, following a search of his home in Baranovichi (Баранавічы). He was charged under Article 342 of the Belarusian Criminal Code for organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order.

After a few days in the isolation center on Akrestina Street (Акрэсціна) in Minsk, Belarus, Losik was transferred to Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in Minsk, Belarus and later to Zhodino (Жодзіна) Pretrial Detention Center in Belarus. Over time, he was moved between various detention facilities, and additional charges were brought against him under Article 293 of the Criminal Code for organizing mass riots. In protest against these accusations, Losik went on a hunger strike for several months, which was also supported by his wife, Darya / Daria Losik (Дар’я Лосік). Daria, born 1991, came also in prison. She was arrested on 18 October 2022 and sentenced starting from April 2023 to 2 years under Article 361 of the Criminal Code (“Facilitating extremist activities”) after an interview she gave the Belsat TV channel.

Losik’s case was combined with case of Sergei Tikhanovsky (Сярге́й Ціхано́ўскі), who is a Belarusian YouTuber, video blogger, and activist known for his opposition to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko’s (Аляксандр Лукашэнка). Tikhanovsky announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election in May 2020. However, he was arrested two days later, prompting his wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (Святлана Ціханоўская), to run in his place as the main opposition candidate in the highly contested election.

On 14 December 2021, in a closed trial held at the Pretrial Detention Center in Gomel (Гомель), Belarus. Igor Losik was found guilty under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code for organizing mass riots and Article 130 of the Criminal Code for inciting hatred or enmity. Attempts to appeal the sentence were unsuccessful and rejected on 31 May 2022 by the Supreme Court of Belarus.

In June 2022, Igor Losik was transferred from Pretrial Detention Center No. 3 to Novopolotsk Correctional Colony No. 1, the most environmentally harmful and strictest in terms of detention conditions. Several other journalist-political prisoners, including Andrey Kuznechik (Андрэй Кузнечык), Andrey Alexandrov (Андрэй Аляксандраў), and Andrzej Poczobut (Анджэй Пачобут), are also serving sentences there.

On 28 June 2022, the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus (KGB – Камітэт дзяржаўнай бяспекі Рэспублікі Беларусь) added Igor Losik to the list of individuals “involved in terrorist activities,” significantly restricting his rights and opportunities in detention. For over a year, neither his family nor the public has been able to get any information about his health. The last letter his parents received was in February 2023. Parcel deliveries and visits are prohibited, and Losik cannot even use the so-called “shopping” allowance for one basic amount, as all funds from his account are allegedly used to pay off debts.

In July 2022, the Losik family’s property was seized to ensure compliance with the court ruling, which ordered the defendants in the “Tikhanovsky case” to pay 22 million BYN ( 6,197,685.97 EUR) in compensation. This sum is intended to cover the additional work time of Interior Ministry employees during the post-election protests.

Those who wish to support the journalist and blogger in these difficult times can send him a letter or postcard at the following address: 211440, Vitebsk region, Novopolotsk, Tekhnicheskaya Street, 8, Correctional Colony No. 1, to Igor Alexandrovich Losik. Of course, it is open, if the authorities will deliver him this letter.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the ongoing imprisonment of Ihar Losik, a political prisoner and blogger. His unjust 15-year sentence, the harshest against a Belarusian independent journalist, is a blatant violation of human rights. Despite severe health issues and inhumane conditions, Losik remains detained under politically motivated charges. SEEMO demands his immediate release and urges the international community to stand against such oppressive measures by the Belarusian authorities.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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Belarusian journalist and pro-democracy activist Andrey Gnyot (Андрей Гнёт) has been detained in Serbia since 30 October 2023, following an Interpol arrest warrant issued by Belarusian authorities on charges of tax evasion. Human rights organizations and media freedom advocates are calling for his immediate release, citing the politically motivated nature of the charges and severe health deterioration while in custody.

Gnyot was arrested at airport Belgrade upon his arrival in Serbia based on a 21 September 2023, Interpol warrant. Since his detention in a central prison in Belgrade, Serbia his health has significantly worsened. In a letter dated 11 May 2024, Gnyot reported partial paralysis of his left foot and inadequate medical treatment.

Belarusian authorities have accused Gnyot of failing to pay approximately 300,000 EUR (1065327.75 BYN) in taxes between 2012 and 2018. However, his defense argues that the charges are politically motivated. Gnyot is a prominent filmmaker and journalist who has collaborated with independent news outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (https://www.rferl.org/). He is also a co-founder of SOS BY, an independent association of Belarusian athletes that influenced the cancellation of the 2021 World Ice Hockey Championship in Belarus. The Belarusian government has since labeled SOS BY an extremist group, a designation used to persecute its members.

If extradited to Belarus, Gnyot faces additional charges of participating in an extremist group, which carries a potential 10-year prison sentence. The politically charged nature of these allegations has led to widespread condemnation and fears for Gnyot’s safety. Reports by international human rights organizations have extensively documented the torture and inhumane treatment of political prisoners in Belarus.

Gnyot fled Belarus in 2021 after receiving indications that authorities were aware of his activism. He first moved to Thailand before traveling to Serbia, a country that serves as a major hub for exiled Belarusians and Russians due to its visa policies. Unaware of the Interpol warrant against him, Gnyot’s arrest in Serbia has drawn international attention.

In December 2023, the Higher Court in Belgrade, Serbia ruled that the conditions for Gnyot’s extradition were met. However, on 12 March 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned this decision and sent the case for review. The final decision on his extradition is still pending, with human rights advocates urging Serbian authorities to deny the extradition request and release Gnyot immediately.

Advocates argue that Serbia, as an European Union (EU) candidate state, should uphold democratic values and human rights by refusing to extradite Gnyot. They stress the importance of protecting journalists and activists from politically motivated persecution and ensuring that individuals like Gnyot receive fair treatment and necessary medical care while in custody. The international community continues to watch closely as Serbia deliberates on the case, hoping for a decision that aligns with the principles of justice and human rights.

The authorities of non-democratic countries use the Interpol warrant as a mechanism to get hold of political dissidents. In the meantime, Interpol received a request from a lawyer to delete Gnyot from the Interpol – database. Interpol made a decision on 20 February 2024 to temporarily block member states’ access to his data. According to Interpol’s rules it should take a longer period to decide if the data should be removed.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), strongly condemns the detention and potential extradition of Belarusian journalist Andrey Gnyot by Serbian authorities. Gnyot’s prolonged incarceration under politically motivated charges, his deteriorating health, and lack of medical care are severe violations of human rights and press freedom. As an EU candidate state, Serbia must reject Belarus’s request for extradition, release Gnyot immediately, and protect him from further persecution. The use of Interpol warrants by authoritarian regimes to silence dissent is an egregious abuse of international legal mechanisms that should not be tolerated.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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Long year journalist Elif Akkuş, previously employed by Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu – TRT – https://www.trt.net.tr/), where she had worked for 25 years, has once again been imprisoned. On 2 May 2024, Akkuş provided testimony at the Anatolian Courthouse in Istanbul, Türkiye / Turkey following an investigation concerning her allegedly high spending during assignments in Libya and Syria. After her statement, the 8th Criminal Judgeship of Peace in Ankara, Türkiye / Turkey ordered her detention on suspicion of “evidence tampering.”

Previously, Akkuş had been arrested in October 2023 over allegations related to an anonymous social media account critical of TRT. Charged with leaking information, blackmail, and defamation, she was detained despite severe health concerns. Her condition necessitated a hospital stay, and she was ultimately released on 15 November 2023, due to her deteriorating health.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is monitoring this case and developments connected to Elif Akkuş.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #turkey #journalistdetained #journalistarrested #ElifAkkuş #TRT # #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom