Belarus: BAJ helps freed journalists resettle after ‘forced exile’ in Lithuania

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) is helping 10 journalists and media workers resettle abroad after their release in Lithuania on 11 September, in a deal brokered by the United States. The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) joins BAJ in condemning the "forcible expulsion" and calls for international solidarity to support those rebuilding their lives outside Belarus and the 28 journalists still behind bars.

Credit: Petras Malukas / AFP.

The 10 journalists and 42 other political prisoners were brought to Lithuania by bus in what has been described as "forced exile," with most of them nearing the end of their prison sentences. Without passports nor personal belongings, they were welcomed into accommodation centers in the Lithuanian capital upon their arrival. A few days after their release, some of them publicly asked to return home and be reunited with their families.

Former journalist Larysa Shchyrakova was expected to be released on 13 January 2026. Interviewed by several media upon her release, she declared: "It is so cruel. I served the whole prison term and instead of letting me go home, they deported me. I don't have a place to stay. They didn't allow me to say goodbye to my mother when she passed away. And now I cannot even go to her grave."

Journalist Iryna Slaunikava, who spent two years and eight months in jail, told Reuters: "I want to go back home. I cannot imagine my life without Belarus. "I don't know if this is safe, but I really want to go home. I served out almost all of my sentence, with four months remaining. Haven't I earned the right to live at home?" she asked.

The BAJ supports the Belarus Solidarity Fund BYSOL in raising funds to gather crucial financial resources dedicated to offering support and assistance to political prisoners who have been released. The funds raised will cover various essential needs, including medical care, psychological support, and assistance with housing.

"After their release and forced expulsion, we help colleagues with relocation in Lithuania or Poland, we also collect equipment, financial and medical assistance for them, based on their requests. It is clear that there can be no return now in Belarus. Nevertheless, we condemn the forcible expulsion of colleagues from the country," said Barys Haretski, deputy chairman of BAJ.

As the BAJ celebrated its 30th anniversary in Vilnius on 16 September, participants stressed their commitment to stand together and keep attention on the repression facing journalists. The conference concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Free Word contest, which celebrates the resilience of independent journalism in Belarus.

The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) continue to call for the release of the 28 journalists who are still being arbitrarily detained in Belarus.

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