Independent Belarusian Media Editorial Offices and Journalists (Nashaniva, Radio Svaboda, Zerkalo, Belsat, Euroradio, etc.) via the public appeal of Radio Svaboda.
Subject and Context
Over the past weeks, independent Belarusian media outlets have dedicated a series of publications and discussions to the reform of management structures within Belarusian civic and political initiatives – specifically regarding media operations and the proposal to establish a “Supervisory Board / Board of Directors” attached to the structures of political leaders.
However, in covering this critically important topic for society, Belarusian media editorial offices and bloggers have exhibited a one-sided and institutionally incomplete approach. The public discourse is being steered toward the creation of “advisory” or “supervisory” bodies that lack legal status, the consent of the founders of the respective legal entities, and legitimate statutory powers.
There is an artificial inflation of informal projects and the declared intentions of individual figures, while the existence of an operating, legally established institution with legitimate powers – Belarusian Representative Assembly, Inc. (BRA)- is completely ignored in the Belarusian public agenda.
Institutional Status of BRA and Legal Reality
We remind Belarusian bloggers, journalists, and editorial boards that Belarusian Representative Assembly, Inc. (BRA) is an officially registered nonprofit organization (Delaware, USA) operating on the basis of its approved Bylaws. Unlike the virtual concepts discussed in the media, the BRA Bylaws legally enshrine:
a) Legitimate powers and independence as an active institution with clear decision-making procedures, rather than “near-office” structures, personal advisory boards, or consultative cabinets.
b) Mechanisms for independent oversight, including Fact-Finding Panels and Oversight Committees, which possess the legal right to conduct public audits, monitoring, and submit official inquiries to international structures and donor organizations.
c) Strict compliance and data protection standards, a total ban on conflicts of interest, financial transparency, and institutional protection of participants’ rights.
A more detailed explanation of our position and the text of the Bylaws are available on the digital platform of the Assembly’s founders.
We kindly ask the editorial board to bring this information to the attention of your audience and colleagues from other publications.