Sakharov Network

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) occupies a pre-eminent position among the prize winners for its commitment to the cause of freedom of speech and the promotion of independent and professional journalism in Belarus.

Representing almost 1 000 media workers, the Association works under extremely difficult conditions to protect the legitimate rights of journalists, who are not uncommonly the victims of intimidation, harassment, criminal prosecution and expatriation. In a number of individual cases, prompt intervention by the BAJ has enabled those responsible for death threats against journalists to be brought to account. Despite the lack of an independent judiciary, the BAJ’s lawyers have frequently been successful in representing journalists and the media in court.

The Association also plays an important role as an observer, documenting conflicts between government authorities and the non-government media, advising newspapers and inviting the authorities to adopt equivalent measures. Journalists are also continuously striving to improve the high, professional standard.

An important part of the Association's work involves increasing public awareness of the constitutional right to freedom of information and of how people can exercise their rights. To this end the BAJ is working to prevent the adoption of a new repressive media law. Through its Law Center for Media Protection, the BAJ is working to improve the current regulatory framework.

On 3 May 2005, World Press Freedom Day, the Association called for support for the independent press in Belarus as the only source - given the situation in the country – of up-to-date and comprehensive information for the citizens of Belarus on what is happening in the country and the rest of the world .