Gunnar Hökmark: Fear Of Independent information Is Sign Of Weakness

The deputy of the European Parliament condemns the blocking of the Charter-97 website in Belarus.

The deputy of the European Parliament from Sweden, the representative of the largest group in the European Parliament – the European People's Party – Gunnar Hökmark, made the following statement after his meeting with Charter97.org editor-in-chief of Natallia Radzina:

– Lukashenka is undermining the future of Belarus by limiting freedom of speech and freedom of the media in the country. The fear of independent reporting is a sign of weakness. The authorities must lift the ban of Charter 97 immediately and respect the independence of Charter 97 as well as other independent media outlets.

– For a Belarus that takes part in the best opportunities of Europe, freedom of media and freedom of expression are fundamental, MEP Gunnar Hökmark said after a meeting with Charter 97 editor-in-chief Natallia Radzina.