We investigate corruption, uncover fake news and analyze the news agenda. The BIC is a member of the global network of investigative journalists.
Our journalists are the recipients of the national award “Free Word” from the Association of Journalists of Belarus in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. At "Free Word" 2021 BIC’s team also received first place for Analytics
BIC is a member of the OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project)
We are also members of GIJN (Global Investigative Journalism Network)
Expectation vs Reality: Gaidukevich Claimed Polish Media Reported His Offer to Help Fight Flood
The WTF team found no information about Oleg Gaidukevich's address in Polish media.
Oleg Haidukevich, a member of the Belarusian parliament and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, revealed on the air of ‘Radio Minsk’ the assistance he had offered the Poles in combating the aftermath of the flood. According to him, he had sent an appeal to all Polish media outlets, and it had been published. The Weekly Top Fake team fact-checked and found no news about Gaidukevich's offer.
Oleg Gaidukevich discussed cooperation with the Polish party ‘Front’ and the aid offered to the Poles during an interview on ‘Radio Minsk’, aired on October 2, 2024,
“Some ask: why are we cooperating? We make statements. For instance, I seriously proposed this: They had a flood. Remove your troops from the border; send them to fight the flood. We'll guard the border for you. Appeal to our president; he won't refuse. You're facing a disaster. Don't want our help? We always help people. Remove your troops; we're your neighbors. The leader of the 'Front' party… I sent a video address, to all the media, and they published it. Isn't it good that the Poles learn the truth about Belarus?” the deputy wondered.
The ‘Front’ party in Poland is considered pro-Russian and pro-Belarusian and did not participate in parliamentary elections. It's led by Krzysztof Tołwiński, a former activist of the ‘Law and Justice’ (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS) party, a former member of parliament, and a former deputy minister of the state treasury.
“We are saddened that our neighbors are facing a flood, a tragedy, and we believe that all the equipment, armed forces, and even the excessive number of border guards should now be directed to help the people. And the Belarusians will cope with guarding the border. Moreover, we can eliminate the queues, and show how to work properly.”
The message accompanying the video, issued by the ‘Front’ party, states that Gaidukevich addressed both Polish and Belarusian authorities and that the ‘Front’ party itself requested he seek assistance from the latter.
The WTF team found no information about Oleg Gaidukevich's address in Polish media. The last time the neighboring country's media mentioned the LDPB party was before the flood, reporting on a cooperation agreement signed with the ‘Front’ party.