Information Ministry starts blocking websites for criticism of authorities

The Information Ministry has restricted access to a popular youth Internet website www.kyky.org, saying that the publications on this website could harm Belarus’ national interests. Recently, the Information Ministry has blocked access to 18 websites for information about where to buy and how to use narcotics and for promotion of child pornography and tabooed vocabulary. In addition, four web-sites had been officially warned by the Ministry, including radio “Racyja”, public association “Svobodny Region», Tuzin.fm and the site of the United Civil Party. So far, the authorities have not yet blocked access to the leading opposition websites, however unofficially restricted access to them during the most critical times thus boosting self-censorship at independent online media.