Tut.by

Tut.by was a major Belarusian-language news website and web portal that served as one of the most popular sources of independent information in Belarus for over two decades. Founded in October 2000 by entrepreneur Yury Zisser, the platform grew from a simple web directory into a comprehensive digital hub offering news, email services, and an online marketplace. Its editorial stance was often critical of the government of Alexander Lukashenko, leading to persistent legal pressure and its eventual blocking by authorities in 2021. The site played a significant role in the democratic movement and the 2020–2021 Belarusian protests, becoming a symbol of independent media resistance.

History

The portal was launched in October 2000 by its owner, the prominent IT entrepreneur Yury Zisser, initially operating as a web directory similar to Yahoo!. Its development coincided with the early growth of the Internet in Belarus, and it quickly expanded its services. In 2001, it launched one of the country's first free email services, which contributed significantly to its widespread adoption. The platform's news division, tut.by/news, became increasingly prominent, especially during pivotal events like the 2010 Belarusian presidential election and the subsequent protests. The editorial office faced growing pressure from the state authorities throughout the 2010s, including raids by the Belarusian KGB and numerous fines. Following the 2020 Belarusian presidential election and the massive 2020–2021 Belarusian protests, the crackdown intensified, culminating in the designation of the site as an "extremist formation" in 2021.

Content and services

Tut.by functioned as a multifaceted web portal, with its core service being a major news agency providing continuous coverage of politics, business, and culture in Belarus and internationally. It hosted a popular webmail service and operated a successful online marketplace for consumer goods and real estate, similar to models like Craigslist or Avito. The site also featured extensive classified advertising sections, an aggregator of exchange rates, and detailed coverage of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic in Belarus. Its journalism was known for attempting to provide a balance to state-controlled outlets like BelTA and STV, often highlighting perspectives from opposition figures like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and reporting on actions by the Belarusian opposition.

Legal issues and blocking

The platform encountered sustained legal harassment from the Belarusian government for its independent editorial line. Authorities frequently accused it of violating the Mass Media Law of Belarus and distributing illegal information. Following the 2020 Belarusian presidential election, the crackdown became systematic; in May 2021, the General Prosecutor's Office of Belarus initiated a criminal case against the company for alleged tax evasion, leading to the detention of several journalists and the seizure of office equipment. The Ministry of Information blocked access to the main website within Belarus in May 2021. In October 2021, the Supreme Court of Belarus declared the Tut.by portal and its associated legal entities an "extremist formation," effectively outlawing its operations and putting its staff at legal risk.

Impact and reception

Tut.by was widely regarded as the leading independent internet resource in the country, consistently ranking among the most visited websites according to metrics from Gemius and similar analytics firms. Its closure created a significant void in the Belarusian media landscape, forcing audiences to seek alternatives like Nasha Niva, Belsat TV, and the Telegram channel Nexta. The portal's role was particularly crucial during the 2020–2021 Belarusian protests, where it served as a primary source of real-time information about demonstrations and state crackdowns for millions of users. International organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the European Federation of Journalists, condemned its blocking as a severe attack on freedom of the press.

See also

* Charter 97 * Belarusian Partisan * Media freedom in Belarus * Internet censorship in Belarus

Category:Belarusian websites Category:News websites Category:Internet properties established in 2000 Category:Blocked websites