BELARUS: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ALLEGED DEATH

UNCLAS STATE 127299 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV BO SUBJECT: BELARUS: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ALLEGED DEATH THREATS TO JOURNALIST IRINA KHALIP REF: EMAIL OF 12/9/09 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 3 and 4. ¶2. (SBU) Background: Department was contacted on December 9, regarding alleged death threats journalist Irina Khalip received after publication of an article about the Emmanuel Zeltser case in "Novaya Gazeta" (Details sent via email to Department). According to Khalip, she received three threats by email, phone and cable. Khalip's safety and ability to perform her job as a journalist freely in Belarus are at risk. ¶3. (SBU) CDA is instructed to draw from points below in approaching appropriate GOB officials as soon as possible to express our concerns over these alleged threats. Please reach out to your EU colleagues to see if they would be interested in making a parallel approach. Begin points: -- We have heard of recent threats to journalist Irina Khalip and we are concerned about these threats. We can not confirm these threats, but media freedom is an issue of great concern to us, as we have discussed our bilateral exchanges. Journalists should be able to practice their profession without intimidation. -- As we seek to improve relations with Belarus, and as Belarus seeks to improve its relations with Europe, such alleged activities are not helpful to your efforts. -- We call on you to help insure her safety and allow all journalists to operate unhindered in Belarus. -- We urge you to re-start movement along the path of reform begun late last year and address the international community's areas of concern, including but not limited to media freedom. End points. ¶4. (U) Post is requested to inform the Department of any response. The Department's point of contact is EUR/UMB Belarus Desk Officer Alexandra Shema. ¶5. (U) The Department appreciates Post's assistance. CLINTON