USAGM condemns the detention of RFE/RL journalist’s wife
U.S. Agency for Global Media CEO Amanda Bennett today condemned the detention of Darya Losik, wife of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) consultant and popular Belarusian blogger Ihar Losik. Darya was wrongly detained for “facilitating extremist activities,” after giving an interview with the Polish-based Belsat television channel.
“Darya Losik should be released immediately,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “Going after family members is just another desperate attempt by the government to silence its critics and block Belarusians’ access to information.”
“It will not work,” she added. “We will continue to support democracy in Belarus by providing them with uncensored and unbiased news and information.”
Darya has been caring for their 4-year-old daughter Paulina alone since her husband Ihar was detained in June 2020. Last December he was sentenced to 15 years in prison; he is one of six political prisoners serving jail time after a five-month closed-door trial.
“My thoughts are with Paulina and the Losiks’ extended family,” said Bennett. “Sentencing Ihar to 15 years was abhorrent; detaining Darya is cruel.”