It is a mistake not to allow the media at the Belarusian border

Referring to the Polish decision in certain situations restrict access to the border with Belarus, when the authorities could also decide not to allow journalists at the border, Sart said it was not the right approach.

He emphasized that materials from events on the Belarusian border were needed for the public to understand what was happening.

“Materials are needed. It is clear that the actual situation is difficult for people. But in my opinion, this is not the right approach – not to allow the media at all, “added Sārts, noting that the media in the conditions of hybrid war” cannot rely on everyday instincts “to cover events.

Referring to the discussion on the coverage of events on the Polish-Belarusian border in the Latvian public media, Sārts believes that additional media control on this issue would not be necessary, but journalists should understand the context and significance of the hybrid war before covering the events.

CONTEXT:

Artuss Kaim, Chairman of the Saeima’s Commission on Human Rights and Public Affairs, joins Artes Kaim said last week that the issue could be discussed at a special commission meeting.

“For Development / About!” The Saeima faction opposes what the Neighbor said in the discussion and emphasizes that the law stipulates that the public electronic media are free from political, economic, separate interest groups and other interference in their activities.

Also the Latvian Association of Journalists in a statement to the media pointed out that the pressure on the public media due to the coverage of the border crisis is unacceptable.

In the summer of 2021 the number of migrants increased significantly, which is trying to enter the territory of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland illegally from Belarus. Most migrants are arrived from Iraq.

Officials from the Baltic states and Poland pointed out that the Belarusian authorities deliberately do not obstruct the crossing of the borderto punish these countries for supporting the Belarusian opposition and sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko’s regime.

The European Union will do so described as the deployment of hybrid warfare and promises to help strengthen the EU’s external border.

On November 8, a large group of migrants gathered at the Belarusian border with Poland, trying to enter the territory of the European Union, but Poland refuses to allow these people because they believe that they are not refugees, but “tourists” who have come to Belarus voluntarily.

The Latvian government from August 11 declared a state of emergency on the border with Belarus, later on extended until 10 February. Latvia also plans to speed up Latvian-Belarusian border infrastructures construction.

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