Human rights defenders join the “Stand up for Journalism!” action

“Stand up for journalism!” action is held all over the world for the fifth time this days. The action is held by the International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists for the fifth time already.

This week journalists from different parts of the world hold actions of protest, meetings, presentations and seminars with the aim to draw public attentions to their most acute problems.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists has actively participated in the “Stand up for Journalism!” campaign since the very beginning. BAJ members held topical round-tables, slide-shows and performances in support of freedom of expressions in Minsk and the provinces, issued statements, etc. The organization believes that the present organization demands joint actions on the two main directions: protection of the journalist Andrei Pachobut who is subjected to criminal prosecution, and rescuing the magazine “Arche-Pachatak” which faces liquidation.

Members of the Human Rights Center “Viasna” consequently advocate respect to the fundamental rights and freedoms including freedom of expression. On 5 November they jointed the action “Stand up for journalism! and supported the initiative of the Belarusian journalists to write petitions in support of “Arche”.