5 journalists from Belarus’ top news outlet go on trial

By YURAS KARMANAU
Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Five journalists from Belarus’ top independent news outlet have gone on trial in the country’s capital, amid a relentless crackdown on critical voices in the ex-Soviet nation. The TUT.BY online news portal workers, including editor-in-chief Maryna Zolatava, face accusations of “hurting national security,” “inciting hatred” and dodging taxes. They could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted in a trial that opened Monday behind closed doors. Western diplomats and independent journalists were denied access. Belarus was shaken by huge protests after the disputed August 2020 re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, which the opposition and the West denounced as a rigged sham. Authorities responded to the demonstrations with a massive crackdown.