Authorities have blocked a popular news site in Belarus that covered months of protests against the country’s authoritarian president and have raided its office and the homes of its journalists. Belarusian authorities maintained that Tut.by violated media laws by publishing content on behalf of BYSOL, a foundation that helps victims of political repression. Independent media in Belarus came under pressure in the wake of mass protests triggered by President Alexander Lukashenko’s disputed re-election. Mr Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist since 1994, won his sixth term in office in an August election. Expand Close Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)In September, the government stripped Tut.by of its media credentials.

Source: Irish Independent May 18, 2021 14:37 UTC