OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of Belarus

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met today, 16 February 2021, with Ambassador Andrei Dapkiunas to discuss the state of freedom of expression and media freedom in Belarus.

Ribeiro expressed her serious concerns regarding the negative implications of the latest political developments in the country on the work of media outlets and journalists, particularly pointing out numerous instances of intimidation and harassment of media professionals. She offered her Office’s assistance in providing much-needed support to Belarus in addressing the problematic matters that affect media freedom in the country and the safety of journalists.

Dapkiunas expressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to facilitate RFoM’s communication with Belarusian counterparts. He assured Ribeiro that he would look closely into and follow-up on the cases that the RFoM had raised and that he would carefully study the expert recommendations of the RFoM’s Office.