In a joint statement signed by the Belarusian Association of Journalists, the human rights center "Viasna", Belarusian PEN;

Legal initiative, it is noted that the criminal prosecution and trial in relation to Ihor Karney is a continuation of the purposeful policy of the authorities to limit the spread of uncensored information in the country and a continuation of the attack on freedom of speech.

"After the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, dozens of social and political websites and media websites were blocked, a number of print publications were forced to stop publication, journalists and media sector employees of Belarus are in prison.

Taking into account the circumstances, we come to the conclusion that the real grounds for the criminal prosecution of Igor Karney are political motives aimed at stopping or changing the nature of public activity for legitimate purposes in connection with the non-violent exercise of freedom of expression and dissemination of information."

Representatives of Belarusian human rights organizations announced that Igor Karney should be recognized as a political prisoner and demand:

  • "The immediate release of Ihar Karney and the termination of his criminal prosecution;

  • refusal to use methods of criminal prosecution as an instrument of pressure on freedom of expression or other rights and freedoms;

  • an immediate end to the repressions, as well as the release of all political prisoners."

The statement was signed by the Belarusian Association of Journalists;

On March 22, the Minsk City Court sentenced independent journalist Ihar Karney to 3 years in prison and a huge fine.

According to the reports of the Belarusian propaganda media, Ihar Karney was condemned for cooperation with the Belarusian Association of Journalists, accused of "participation in extremist formation."

  • In the Minsk City Court, judge

    Siarhei Katsar

    sentenced Karnei to 3 years of imprisonment in a general regime colony and a fine of 20,000 rubles.

    Karney was accused of "participation in extremist formation" according to Part 3 of Art.

    361-1 of the Criminal Code.

  • The newspaper of the Lukashenka administration "Belarus Segodnya" previously reported that Igor Karney was tried for cooperation with the Belarusian Association of Journalists, which the authorities recognized as an extremist organization.

Igor Karney in court

  • Ihar Karney is a former correspondent of Radio Svaboda, who covered life and events in Belarus on our radio waves and website for more than 20 years.

    Among other things, Igor is known as a travel blogger and author of texts about the cultural and historical heritage of Belarus.

Persecution of Igor Karney

Journalist

Igor Karney

was detained on the morning of July 17, 2023, after a search of his apartment.

Initially, Igor was placed under administrative arrest, but after the arrest, Igor was not released.

Ihar Karney was transferred from the Minsk prison to Akrestsyn to pre-trial detention center No. 1 in Minsk as part of a criminal case.

He was recognized as a police prisoner.