On December 13, Belarus released 123 political prisoners. The political prisoners range from civil society activists to journalists, who were arrested and incarcerated for their opposition to Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime. Released prisoners include Belarusian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, leading opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, Lukashenko’s would-be challenger in the 2020 elections.
Against this backdrop, and as many freed journalists face renewed exile and uncertainty, Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) Europe is launching a special call for applications to support recently released Belarusian political prisoners, their recovery and return to their careers in journalism and content creation. The initiative falls under JHR’s ongoing Activating Independent Russian and Belarusian Journalists to Combat Information Manipulation project.
The emergency program provides up to six months of focused assistance to help participants rebuild their professional lives in exile and produce high-quality, impactful content documenting realities in and around Belarus.
“Belarusian journalists who refused to abandon the truth have paid a terrible personal price for their courage,” said Marcus Kolga, Lead Consultant for JHR’s Belarus project. “Many were jailed, tortured, separated from their families, and then forced into exile. This program is about giving them the basic stability and resources they need to return to what they do best: journalism that exposes regime abuses and defends fundamental human rights.”
This program is part of a broader effort by JHR, with support from the Government of Canada, to sustain independent Belarusian journalism in exile and counter the chilling effects of state repression.
“In Lithuania and Poland, many recently exiled Belarusian journalists have found physical safety but face serious financial and professional insecurity,” said Janine DeVries, JHR’s Europe Project Director. “With this initiative, we are investing in their long-term ability to keep reporting, to keep telling stories the regime is trying to silence, and to remain connected to European and Canadian media ecosystems.”
“Canada and Europe share a direct interest in defending independent journalism against authoritarian pressure,” Kolga added. “By supporting these journalists in exile, we help preserve the future of free media in Belarus and strengthen democratic resilience across the region.”
DeVries also emphasized the role of European partners: “Our cooperation with Belarusian partners is vital. They help us identify journalists who have endured prison and exile and ensure support reaches those who stood up to the regime and refused to be silenced.”
A new general call for proposals for Belarusian journalists and media will be published by JHR Europe in January 2025, expanding content production support beyond this special window for recently released political prisoners.