What is it like to be a journalist in Europe’s worst dictatorship? How is propaganda constructed in today’s Belarus – and what happens to those who refuse to conform?
Belarusian journalist and former political prisoner Yauhen Merkis will talk about his experiences at the Media Evening at the Media Museum and Archives Merkki (Ludviginkatu 2-4, Helsinki) on March 25, 2026, from 5–6 p.m. Yauhen Merkis will be discussing with journalist Ingrid Svanfeldt.
Independent media in Belarus has been suppressed as state propaganda dominates the media landscape. There are over 1,000 political prisoners in the country’s prisons, 29 of whom are journalists. How do the press freedom and the safety of journalists in Belarus appear through the eyes of a journalist who has just been released from prison?
The language of the event is English. The audience is welcome to ask questions. The event will be streamed and the recording will be available for a week on the HS Foundation’s YouTube channel.
Free admission. Welcome! The event is organized by the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation, Reporters Without Borders Finland and Vikes.