Belarus faces severe criticism for its crackdown on journalists, with Ksenia Lutskina, a former prisoner, highlighting the life-threatening risks. Scores of journalists endure imprisonment, beatings, and restricted access to legal and familial support, drawing comparisons to Soviet-era prisons. Amidst this, independent media struggles with dwindling US aid, while Lukashenko's regime intensifies repression, leading to widespread arrests and exile.