"In the time of the hybrid war we are facing, border guards have become the country's first shield. But during this war orchestrated by the Belarusian regime, we need to counter not only physical but also informational attacks," Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite said in a comment sent to BNS on Thursday.
"As we defend ourselves from these attacks, we need media forces and assistance very much, therefore, we are changing the existing working rules for reporters in the time of a state of emergency for our country and the global community to have the latest and most impartial information about the Belarusian regime's ongoing hybrid aggression when people are used as weapons. I do believe we will defend our state by working together," she added.
According to the Interior Ministry, reporters will still be required to stay 100 meters away and not to be on the patrol path used by service vehicles as well as on the footprint band.
The changes are now being drafted and will come into force over the next working days, the ministry said.