Story perspectives

Belarus Jails Journalist as Repression Against Media Escalates

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pavel Dabravolski, a Belarusian journalist, was sentenced to nine years for treason in a closed trial, the fifth media worker jailed in two weeks.
Dabravolski, formerly with BelaPAN, was condemned by exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who called the charges fabricated.
Activists say 28 journalists remain imprisoned, and Viasna estimates 1,140 political prisoners remain in Belarus.
Andrei Bastunets, head of the journalists' association, says repression continues despite some releases.

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Story summary

Pavel Dabravolski, a Belarusian journalist, was sentenced to nine years for treason in a closed trial, the fifth media worker jailed in two weeks.
Dabravolski, formerly with BelaPAN, was condemned by exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who called the charges fabricated.
Activists say 28 journalists remain imprisoned, and Viasna estimates 1,140 political prisoners remain in Belarus.
Andrei Bastunets, head of the journalists' association, says repression continues despite some releases.