Belarus media situation worsened, says OSCE media freedom representative

VIENNA, 11 March 2005 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, said today that the overall media situation in Belarus had deteriorated over the past few years.

Presenting a report on the media situation in Belarus to reporters in Vienna, he said that the number of independent media outlets had been declining and the number of administrative warnings and suspensions had been growing.

However, Mr. Haraszti expressed his hope that the visit he paid to the Belarusian capital, Minsk, from 9 to 11 February, where he had high-level the meetings, marked the beginning of co-operation to reform the media scene.

"In the broadcast sector, all national TV channels are state-owned or controlled," Haraszti reported.

"In the print sector, the few independent outlets are struggling to survive."

"Belarus is the only OSCE participating State where people are serving actual prison sentences for violating the dignity of the President."

The report contains a summary of practical recommendations to the Belarusian authorities on how to improve the media situation in the country.

The full text of the report, which Haraszti presented to the OSCE Permanent Council yesterday, can be found

at the website of the Representative on Freedom of the Media www.osce.org/fom.