Support RSF campaign for the release of Maryna Zolatava
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) campaigns in support of Maryna Zolatava, one of the most prominent journalists in Belarus who has been unjustly jailed since 2021. Zolatava’s case has become emblematic of the press freedom situation in the country, where the Lukashenko regime has been engaged in a relentless crackdown on independent media. RSF is mobilising globally for the release of all 34 journalists currently detained in Belarus, including Zolatava.
Who is Maryna Zolatava?
Maryna Zolatava was the editor-in-chief of TUT.BY, Belarus’ most popular independent news site before its ban. The 45 year-old mother of two teenagers is currently imprisoned in Minsk, serving a 12-year sentence on national security charges, and was recently added to the Lukashenko regime’s list of “extremists.” Zolatava is one of 34 journalists currently behind bars in Belarus - among them 10 women journalists - making the country the fourth largest jailer of journalists, with one of the world’s poorest press freedom rankings, at 157th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index.
“Blaming the media for all the problems is like taking offence at a mirror.”
What happened?
As part of the severe crackdown launched by the Belarusian authorities following Alexander Lukashenko’s fraudulent reelection in August 2020, Zolatava was arrested, along with 14 of her colleagues, during a search of TUT.BY’s offices and Zolatava’s home on 18 May 2021, connected to allegations of “tax fraud.” Following a secretive trial held behind closed doors, Zolatava was convicted on 17 March 2023 of “inciting social hatred” and “disseminating content calling for actions undermining national security.” Zolatava was sentenced to 12 years in prison, along with TUT.BY manager Liudmila Chekina, who was convicted of “tax evasion,” “organising incitement of social hatred,” and “disseminating content calling for actions undermining national security.”
On 31 July 2023, Belarus’ Supreme Court rejected Zolatava and Chekina’s appeals and upheld their 12-year sentences. On 18 August 2023, Zolatava and Chekina were added to the Lukashenko regime’s list of “extremists,” meaning they are banned from playing any kind of public role in Belarusian society. The police can also monitor all of their financial transactions and follow them when they are released from prison.
What is RSF campaigning for?
RSF is campaigning for the release of all 34 journalists detained in Belarus, including the emblematic case of Maryna Zolatava. International mobilisation is urgently needed to support these courageous journalists and increase pressure on Lukashenko’s regime to release them. RSF has supported the Belarus Association of Journalists’ marathon of solidarity with the jailed journalists and is currently running the “Postcards for Maryna” action to gather physical letters and cards in support of Zolatava, as well as online messages, to be delivered to the Belarusian embassies in several countries on 6 November 2023, Zolatava’s 46th birthday.
Take action!
You can support RSF’s campaign by adding your voice to the “Postcards for Maryna” action. Starting on 6 September, RSF will collect physical cards and letters with messages of solidarity with Zolatava at its Paris headquarters, as well as RSF’s country offices in Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. The mailing addresses can be found here. Alternatively, supporters can also send online messages via [email protected]. RSF will deliver these cards, letters, and messages in parallel to the Belarusian embassies in several countries on 6 November, Zolatava’s 46th birthday.
- Par email
Take action
1. Campaign kit
This kit contains:
- Visuals to share on social media
- Cover photos for social media
You can support RSF’s campaign by adding your voice to the “Postcards for Maryna” action. Starting on 6 September, RSF will collect physical cards and letters with messages of solidarity with Zolatava at its Paris headquarters, as well as RSF’s country offices in Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. The mailing addresses can be found here. Alternatively, supporters can also send online messages via [email protected]. RSF will deliver these cards, letters, and messages in parallel to the Belarusian embassies in several countries on 6 November, Zolatava’s 46th birthday.
We need you to amplify this campaign and share Zolatava's story! To help secure his release, post these visuals, display this sign, and share this petition. Every action counts!
Publish each visual, mentioning the RSF social media account and using the hashtag #FreeZolatava
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