Freedom of the press - Günter Wallraff Prize for Belarusian oppositionists

The human rights activist Maria Kolesnikova imprisoned in Belarus and the journalist's association of the country receive this year's Günter Wallraff Prize for freedom of the press and human rights. Kolesnikova is a symbol, representing the many people who have sacrificed their freedom and their lives for a free and democratic Belarus, announced the initiative News Enlightenment on the grounds.

Political prisoner Maria Kalesnikova and the Belarusian Association of Journalists have become this year's laureates of the Günter Wallraff Prize for Press Freedom and Human Rights.

Belarus remains at the very bottom of the global Press Freedom Index, which is published annually by Reporters Without Borders. This year, our country rose one place and took 166th place between Cuba and Azerbaijan. In 2024, it fell by 10 positions compared to 2023.