Belarus condemns YouTube's block on state media channels

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticised the recent removal of several major state-run media channels from YouTube, calling it a "gross violation of rights." The move, which occurred on April 3, 2026, resulted in the suspension of channels belonging to Belarus's largest national media outlets, including BelTA, ONT, and STV.

According to the Belarusian Ministry, these media outlets are crucial for the country’s information sovereignty, reaching millions of viewers both domestically and abroad. The Ministry argued that by blocking these channels, YouTube effectively denied access to legitimate, official content for millions of Belarusian citizens and expatriates, Caliber.Az reports. 

The Ministry further stated that the decision by YouTube violated Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which upholds the right to freedom of expression, as well as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) principles on media freedom. The government expressed concern over what it described as the international community’s "glaring silence" on the matter, highlighting the contrast in the response to media freedom issues when they involve countries deemed problematic by the West.

The Belarusian government also raised concerns about what it sees as Western double standards, arguing that human rights are only defended when the opinions in question align with Western values.

In response, Belarus confirmed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the removal of the channels. The Ministry also emphasised that the government reserves the right to take appropriate action in accordance with national and international law.

By Sabina Mammadli