Nasha Niva: We Will Continue to Work

22.11.2006.

Tomorrow, on November 23, one of the most well-known Belarusian newspapers will celebrate 100 years anniversary since publication of its first issue. Right before that date, on November 21, the publishers received a warning from the Ministry of Justice. The Minstry claims, the publishers failed to give a real address of the editorial office in November issues of the newspaper.

“I believe the authorities are well aware of what they are doing. They demonstrate cynicism acting according to their program of extermination of the independent press in the country, -- says Alexandra Dynko, manager of Nasha Niva Foundation, -- we continue to fight in order to keep the newspaper. We continue to work for Belarusian national interests, to fight for our language and culture, and for the Belarusian idea in general”.

It’s practically impossible to rent an office for an independent edition in Belarus. In 2006 the editorial team had to move 4 times. Alexandra Dynko explains: whenever the publishers found a new office, concluded a rent contract and provided the information to the Ministry of Justice, “the next day office owners asked them to move out”. “They didn’t even give us time to find another office, although, according to contract terms they are supposed to warn us 1 month in advance”.