Following reports regarding the prosecution of radio operators in Belarus, IARU Region 1 issues the following statement to clarify the distinction between amateur radio activities and individual legal compliance :

1. The Scope of Amateur Radio Amateur radio is a technical, educational, and service-oriented hobby defined internationally by the ITU and governed by national regulations. Its purpose is the self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigation carried out by amateurs — that is, duly authorised persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.

2. Accountability and the Law While the individuals involved in this case hold amateur radio licenses, our investigation indicates that the actions leading to their prosecution fall entirely outside the scope of the amateur radio service. An amateur radio license grants the privilege to experiment with technology and communicate within specific parameters; it does not grant immunity from national laws, nor does it authorise the use of radio equipment for activities that contravene the legal framework of a sovereign state.

3. Distinguishing the Hobby from the Action We believe the public narrative surrounding this case has been somewhat misplaced. The core issue is not the practice of amateur radio itself, but rather a failure to comply with specific national laws. It is vital to distinguish between the legitimate use of amateur frequencies and actions that are unrelated to the technical and social goals of our community.

4. Our Position IARU Region 1 does not condone or support any actions by licensed operators that bypass legal requirements or violate the terms of their amateur license. We advocate for the protection of our spectrum and the rights of our members, but this advocacy is predicated on the “Amateur Code” — which dictates that an operator must be balanced, loyal, and law-abiding.

The amateur radio community is built on a foundation of international cooperation and respect for regulation. We urge our members to remember that the integrity of our hobby depends on our collective commitment to operating within the legal boundaries of our respective countries.

We will continue to monitor the situation, but we reiterate that the legal consequences faced by individuals for actions outside the scope of their license are a matter for the relevant judicial systems.