VVOA常速英语2020--美国对白俄罗斯关闭互联网表示关注（在线收听）

Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States government. Belarusian authorities continue to disrupt internet access and restrict online content in response to nationwide protests over fraudulent presidential elections held August 9. As a result, the United States along with 35 other nations issued a statement condemning the ongoing use of partial and complete Internet shutdowns by the regime of Alexander Lukashenka. Shutdowns and blocking or filtering of services unjustifiably limit the rights of peaceful assembly and freedoms of association and expression, the statement noted. In conjunction with restrictive measures and intimidation employed against opposition candidates and the mass arrests and detentions of Belarusian peaceful citizens and journalists, actions to limit access to the Internet, including social media and other digital communication platforms, further erode civic space. The United States and its allies will continue to stand with the courageous people of Belarus, who are making their voices heard in spite of these oppressive measures. It is noteworthy that women are playing a central role in calling for fairness and accountability. Indeed, every Saturday since the fraudulent election, there has been a peaceful women’s protest, with thousands of women attending, condemning violence and urging Lukashenka to step down.

以下是一篇反映美国政府政策立场的社论。白俄罗斯当局继续阻碍民众使用互联网，限制网络内容，以此来回应8月9日的欺骗性总统选举后全国范围内爆发的抗议活动。为此，美国联同其他35个国家发表声明，谴责亚历山大·卢卡申科持续使用部分或完全关闭互联网的手段。声明指出关闭互联网、封锁或过滤互联网服务的行径不合理地限制了和平集会的权利以及结社和言论自由。加上对反对派候选人实施的限制与恐吓措施，对白俄罗斯和平公民和记者进行的大规模逮捕和拘留，以及限制民众使用互联网，包括社交媒体和其他数字通信平台的行径，都进一步侵蚀了公民空间。美国与盟国将继续与勇敢的白俄罗斯人民站在一起，他们不顾这些压迫措施，仍旧发出他们的呼声。值得注意的是，女性在呼吁公正和问责制方面发挥着核心作用。事实上，在欺骗性选举之后的每周六，都会有女性发起一次和平抗议，数千名妇女参与其中，谴责暴力行为，并敦促卢卡申科下台。

Civic space online is integral to a vibrant civic space off-line. Governments should not block or hinder Internet connectivity, as shutdowns often undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of peaceful assembly and freedoms of association and expression that form the basis of a democratic society. Internet shutdowns impact all users, especially marginalized groups and those in vulnerable situations. Shutdowns limit media freedom and the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to report on human rights violations or abuses and hold governments accountable. Shutdowns and restrictions also limit the dissemination and free flow of information, harm economic activity, contribute to social and political disorder, and negatively affect public safety. Human rights must be protected online just as they are protected off-line. The U.S. and its fellow signatories call on Belarusian authorities to refrain from Internet shutdowns and blocking or filtering of services and to respect Belarus’s international human rights obligations. It is incumbent on the government of Belarus to respect civic space, including respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law. All human rights violations related to the Belarusian election must be independently investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States government.

网上公民社会空间是充满活力的线下公民社会空间不可或缺的一部分。各国政府不应该封锁或限制互联网连接，因为关闭互联网往往会损害人权和根本自由，包括和平集会权利以及结社和言论自由，而这些权利和自由构成了民主社会的基石。关闭互联网会对所有用户产生影响，特别是那些边缘化群体和弱势民众。关闭互联网会限制媒体自由，限制记者和人权捍卫者报道人权侵犯行为并追究政府责任的能力。关闭或限制互联网还会限制信息的传播和自由流动，损害经济活动，造成社会和政治混乱，并对公共安全产生负面影响。无论线上和线下都必须保护人权。美国和其他声明签署伙伴国呼吁白俄罗斯当局不要关闭互联网，不要阻止或过滤互联网服务，并尊重白俄罗斯的国际人权义务。白俄罗斯政府有义务尊重公民空间，包括尊重人权、根本自由、民主和法治。与白俄罗斯选举有关的所有人权侵犯行为都必须受到独立调查，侵权者必须被绳之以法。这是一篇反映美国政府政策立场的社论。