Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Foreign ministry denies accreditation to Radio Racyja reporter for fifth time

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The Belarusian foreign ministry has rejected Radio Racyja reporter Viktar Parfyonenka's application for accreditation for a fifth time, said a human rights group called Vyasna.

Explaining its decision to deny accreditation to the Hrodna correspondent of the Polish-based radio station, the foreign ministry referred to the media accreditation rules adopted by the Council of Ministers in December 2008. It did not elaborate.

Mr. Parfyonenka, a member of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, said that he would continue applying to the ministry for accreditation.

"Either the foreign ministry will legalize my activity or let it further display its true, reactionary attitude to freedom of speech," Mr. Parfyonenka was quoted as saying.

Based in Bialystok, Radio Racyja is a Polish-funded station that has long been denied accreditation by the Belarusian government. Its coverage of Belarusian politics is frowned upon by the authorities.