Belarus’ MFA comments on removal of national media YouTube channels

MINSK, 6 April (BelTA) – The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding YouTube’s blocking of accounts belonging to Belarusian media outlets, BelTA has learned.

“On 3 April 2026, the YouTube administration arbitrarily removed the channels of the largest Belarusian national media outlets: BelTA, ONT, and STV. These media organizations form the foundation of the country’s information sovereignty and have millions of viewers both inside Belarus and abroad,” the MFA statement reads.

“By its decision, YouTube has effectively blocked millions of citizens and compatriots abroad from accessing legitimate, official content. This is a gross violation of Article 19 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and of the OSCE’s fundamental principles on media freedom,” the document notes.

The ministry emphasized: “What draws particular attention is the deafening silence of international structures. Those that traditionally react quickly and loudly to any, even the most controversial, cases of what they consider ‘restrictions on free speech’ in countries they disagree with are, this time around, conspicuously staying silent.” The ministry considers this a classic example of Western double standards: human rights matter only when the opinion in question is convenient for the West.

The Belarusian side is thoroughly examining all the details of the incident. “We reserve the right to take appropriate measures within the framework of national legislation and international law,” the ministry noted.