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“In view of recent police brutality against journalists reporting about a peaceful demonstration in Minsk on 25 March 2008 and the subsequent harassment of many journalists by security forces of Belarus, I call on the authorities in the Republic of Belarus to return seized material to the journalists, launch investigations into such abuse, and train law enforcement authorities in respecting the fundamental right to freedom of expression of everybody in Belarus including especially journalists.

I support the constructive criticism by the Belarusian Association of Journalists of the new draft law on information before the National Assembly of Belarus at present. Members of the National Assembly are invited to discuss media legislation with the Sub-Committee on the Media.

Freedom of expression of political opinions and freedom of information is a vital element of any democratic society. This is particularly important with regard to the parliamentary elections in Belarus in autumn 2008.

State propaganda, absence of media freedom and repression of freedom of opinion cannot be tolerated in a democracy. As emphasised by the Council of Europe since 1997 and debated by the Assembly on 15 April, respect of freedom of expression must be a necessary requirement for any change in the relations of the Belarusian government with the Assembly, in addition to ensuring the independence of the courts, granting parliamentary powers to a democratically elected National Assembly and abolishing the death penalty in Belarus.”

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