Statement of Belarusian Association of Journalists on Deportation of Selin

In connection with deportation of the special NTV correspondent Pavel Selin from Belarus the PA “Belarusian Association of Journalists” expresses its solidarity with him and states the following.

The NTV channel enjoys well-deserved popularity among Belarusian spectators thanks to the high professional level of the editorial staff, sapidity of programs, objective and all-sided information.

Pavel Selin is a TV journalist who honestly executes his professional duty and is most objective in elucidation of events.

We, Belarusian journalists, can’t agree that Selin’s report was directed at destabilization of situation in the country. It were the objectivity and impartial view that dissatisfied the authorities of Belarus, where honest journalism is viewed as subversive activity against the country.

We urge Belarusian authorities to stop pressurization of those, who has views, different from their ideology.

We, independent journalists, must unite our forces in defending the right to freedom of information.

Adopted at the sitting of the PA “Belarusian Association of Journalists” on 1 July 2003