“The Hour of Silence” Internet Action

来源：Belarusian Association of Journalists

Following the adoption of the disreputable law «On Mass Media» after the 2nd reading by the Chamber of Representatives at the National Assembly of Belarus that, among other, makes attempts to restrict the freedom of speech in the Belarusian Internet space, the Belarusian Association of Journalists appeals to all its members, journalists and bloggers, working in the «.by» Internet space to take part in «The Hour of Silence» protest action.

We propose to everyone, who cares about the freedom of access to information and distribution of information to place the black banners on their Internet pages to symbolize the freedom of speech, buried in the Belarusian Parliament on June 24, 2008. Also, we propose to abstain from updating Web-sites and making notes in blogs within one hour since 12.00 till 13.00 (10 am-11am — Greenwich hour angle) on June 25, 2008.

Thus, we will express our protest against the hasty adoption of Belarus’ Law «On Mass Media» without public hearings and international expert examinations.
Thus, we will respond to the Belarusian state officials’ opinion that the law is related to journalists only.

Thus, we will let the By-net users understand that the threat of closure of numerous informational resources and sources of independent information on the Web has become absolutely real.

Let’s stand up in solidarity for the right of Belarusian people to get and distribute information freely in the Internet!
Codes of banners (different sizes):
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14:41, 25/06/08

BAJ Press Service