Statement by MFA of Belarus regarding blocking of Belarusian media accounts by YouTube

On April 3, 2026 YouTube’s administration arbitrarily deleted the channels of the largest Belarusian national mass media – BelTA, ONT and STV. These media outlets are the foundation of the country’s information sovereignty and have a multi-million audience both inside Belarus and abroad.

By this decision, YouTube has in fact 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 the basic OSCE principles concerning freedom of the media.

The blatant silence of international structures is striking. Those organizations that traditionally react swiftly and loudly to any, even the most controversial, cases of “restriction of freedom of speech” in countries they disapprove of are now demonstratively keeping quiet. This is a classic example of Western double standards: human rights matter only when they concern an opinion convenient for the West.

The Belarusian side is thoroughly examining all the circumstances of the incident. We reserve the right to respond accordingly – using all available means within the framework of national legislation and international law.

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