In anticipation of the worldwide campaign "Stand Up for Journalism" in solidarity with colleagues around the world representatives of independent media Viciebsk have planted a small alley, which was decorated with paper birds made from old newspapers.

November 5th International Federation of Journalists annually worldwide campaign of professional solidarity "Stand Up for Journalism". The theme for the campaign journalists chosen by each country. This year, members of the Viciebsk organization of NGO "Belarusian Association of Journalists" (BAJ) held its local action under the slogan " Stand Up for a free Bynet". Thus, journalists identified a problem with freedom of speech in the Belarusian segment of the Internet and expressed their attitude to attempts to control the Network by the authorities.

In one of the sleeping districts of Viciebsk representatives of independent media put some birches and maples. The result was a small alley. Each planted tree acquired its name: "The tree in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Belarusian Association of Journalists", "Tree of Journalists' Solidarity ',' Tree of the future of the independent press," ... After the trees were planted on each of them "flew" its paper bird . It seemed that the virtual bird released journalists last year in the same day from the cells, swept through the city, and were finally able to fly to their trees.

Recall a year ago Viciebsk seven journalists and social activists in the framework of last year's campaign "Stand Up for Journalism" organized a photo session on the graffiti background paper with the image of birds and cages. Members photo shoots were holding cells made of paper and origami birds. Law enforcement officials regarded as unauthorized picket photo shoot. As a result, six members photoshoot were punished by a fine of 18 to 25 base units. Another participant was subjected to administrative detention for three days.

Vitebsk Spring