VZCZCXRO4325
RR RUEHIK
DE RUEHSK #0023/01 0211320
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 211320Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY MINSK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0652
INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE
RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 0039
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUEHSK/AMEMBASSY MINSK 0662

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MINSK 000023 
 
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E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS REMAIN UNDER PRESSURE: A 
FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT 
 
MINSK 00000023  001.3 OF 002 
 
 
¶1. Summary.  In the run up to the 2006 Presidential elections, 
the GOB banned independent newspapers that covered politics from 
having access to the state monopoly kiosk network and the postal 
service's subscription system.  In 2008 and 2009, in an apparent 
response to western sanctions, a handful of national and 
regional papers regained access; but nevertheless as late as 
January 2010, three nationals and eight regional publications 
continued to have problems.  Authorities, at the same time, have 
demonstrated a willingness to use an assortment of the tools 
available to them in ongoing efforts to keep independent voices 
from reaching the public.  Cited by authorities for criticizing 
the government, a regional independent newspaper editor has 
provided us with details on the obstacles he faced over the past 
year while struggling to keep his paper in business, including 
curbs on circulation, controls on printing services, denial of 
accreditation, tax investigations, and even difficulties for 
family members.  His first-hand account provides insight into 
methods used against regime critics in Belarus and reveals how a 
pattern of pressure continues to restrict press freedoms.  End 
Summary. 
 
¶2. Prior to the March 2006 presidential elections, the GOB, as 
of January 1, 2006, banned national and regional independent 
newspapers that covered politics from having access to the state 
monopoly kiosk network and the postal service's subscription 
system.  As late as 2008, the 15 core independent newspapers, 
five national and ten regional, continued to face circulation 
restrictions.  In an apparent response to western sanctions, in 
November 2008, independent national newspapers Narodnaya Volya 
and Nasha Niva regained access to the two state monopoly 
systems.  Of the ten regional newspapers, one returned to the 
distribution system in September 2009 and one went out of 
business in 2009.  In January 2010, the situation with the 
remaining three national and eight regional publications was 
still pending resolution. 
 
¶3. In addition, authorities have applied a range of measures 
against the editor and owner of an independent weekly newspaper, 
illustrative of the wider pattern of pressure that restricts 
press freedoms in Belarus.  Anatoly Bukas, who edits an 
established regional weekly, Borisovskie Novosti (BN), in the 
city of Barysau, described for the Chargi challenges he faced 
last year after a regional ideology officer ordered local 
newsstands not to carry his paper.  Told that BN had 
"discredited the government," Bukas complained to police, who 
refused to investigate the merits of charges against him.  As a 
result,  BN was taken off the shelves of local shops as the 
owners opted to avoid having problems with local authorities. 
 
¶4. BN and other independents also face obstacles in accessing 
newsmakers and official events.  Journalists are credentialed on 
a case-by-case basis, with independents routinely denied 
accreditation for state functions.  Contracting for printing 
services is another pressure point.  Bukas said a Minsk printing 
house would only agree to a contract after the transaction had 
been approved by officials in the Presidential Administration. 
At a personal level, Bukas suspects his son's failure to receive 
a university internship was payback for his own independent 
journalism, and added that even his siblings keep their family 
ties from authorities, fearing they could lose their jobs. 
 
¶5. Authorities have also used regulatory and legal measures 
against Bukas and his paper.  When BN's trade license expired at 
the end of October, Barysau regional officials refused an 
extension, putting the paper in legal jeopardy and at financial 
risk.  Tax authorities, claiming violations of trade regulations 
stemming back to 2008, are seeking $5,600 in arrears, and a 
court ruled in December to freeze Bukas' bank accounts, and 
ordered payment of the alleged tax arrears along with $250 in 
court fees. 
 
¶6. Comment:  Bukas' description of challenges confronted over 
the past year in keeping his paper in business is an insightful 
first-hand account of the tool box of options available to 
authorities for curbing independence by the press in Belarus. 
Less clear from his account is what sort of accommodation 
independents are required to make with the government in order 
to ease pressures and operate more freely.  On balance, while 
several newspapers were returned to circulation, the authorities 
continued efforts to stifle criticism of the regime through 
limiting access to the market place and mechanisms described 
above highlights that the GOB continues to fall short of 
undertaking meaningful steps on press freedoms.  It is unlikely 
that prior to the April 25 local elections the harassment of 
 
MINSK 00000023  002.3 OF 002 
 
 
independent newspapers will abate or greater access to 
distribution networks will be granted.  These newspapers remain 
committed to providing their readers transparent coverage of 
elections, including the campaigns of opposition candidates, and 
the GOB is well aware of this fact.  End Comment.SCANLAN