Belarus expands crackdown on independent media

Belarusian authorities have expanded their crackdown on independent media, raiding media offices and journalists’ homes across the ex-Soviet nation

KYIV, Ukraine -- Belarusian authorities on Friday widened their crackdown on independent media, raiding media offices and journalists' homes across the ex-Soviet nation. The Belarusian Association of Journalists said the authorities searched apartments and offices of at least 21 journalists in the capital of Minsk and cities of Brest, Gomel, Grodno and Pinsk. “The authorities are using an entire arsenal of repressions against journalists — intimidation, beatings, searches and arrests,” said the association's head, Andrei Bastunets. Among those targeted Friday were journalists who cooperated with the Belsat TV channel funded by Poland and the U.S.-funded RFE/RL broadcaster.