BelaPAN: Blocking IP-addresses is attack on freedom of speech

“It is still unknown who and why did it. It is clear, however, that the decision to block IP-addresses could only be taken by the authorities.

BelaPAN has not received any official warnings or notices of forthcoming blockage.

Amendments to the law on mass media, which allow blocking of websites, will only take effect on January 1, 2015, but even after that blocking will need a legitimate reason. Under current conditions, we regard the blocking of BelaPAN’s IP-addresses, as well as other independent online media, as a gross infringement on freedom of speech and media in Belarus.

We are taking all measures necessary to obtain from public bodies comprehensive information about who and on what basis took the decision to block our websites.

Currently, despite blocking, the websites belapan.by and naviny.by have resumed work. However, we do not rule out further attempts to block them.”