LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Charter’97 as left-center biased based on being a pro-democracy Belarusian outlet operating in exile from Poland, with a strong anti-authoritarian stance. While reliable in sourcing, its adversarial mission and emotive tone place it closer to advocacy journalism than neutral reporting. For that reason, we rate them Mostly Factual rather than High.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.8)
Country: Poland
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Charter’97 was founded in 1997 as part of a pro-democracy declaration opposing authoritarianism in Belarus. The website launched in 1998 under Aleh Byabenin and is now edited by Natallia Radzina. Following police raids and repression, the newsroom relocated to Warsaw, Poland in 2011, where it continues to operate in exile. Belarus designated Charter’97 as an “extremist group” in 2022, criminalizing participation in or support for the site.
Read our profile on the Polish media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Charter’97 is published by Fundacja KARTA ‘97 in Poland. It is primarily funded through donations (Patreon, direct transfers), advertising, and support from partner NGOs. The donation page displays logos for groups such as the Open Society Foundations and Amnesty International, suggesting at least historical grant support.
Analysis / Bias
Charter’97 is fiercely anti-authoritarian, focused on opposing the Lukashenka regime and Russian influence. Reporting often amplifies Western outlets, NGOs, and human rights groups. For example, it covered a BBC investigation into Russian election interference in Moldova and published commentary on opposition figure Mikalai Statkevich. It also highlighted Amnesty International’s statement condemning his forced disappearance.
On the economic spectrum, Charter’97 does not push socialist or laissez-faire policies, but rather emphasizes democratic institutions and European integration. Its editorial voice reflects progressive liberal values (civil rights, opposition to authoritarianism, pro-EU framing) with little emphasis on fiscal ideology. Articles are sometimes emotive and symbolic, portraying jailed opposition leaders as national heroes, but generally rely on mainstream or NGO sources.
Failed Fact Checks
- No major failed fact checks against Charter’97 have been documented by independent fact-checking organizations.
Overall, we rate Charter’97 as left-center biased based on being a pro-democracy Belarusian outlet operating in exile from Poland, with a strong anti-authoritarian stance. While reliable in sourcing, its adversarial mission and emotive tone place it closer to advocacy journalism than neutral reporting. For that reason, we rate them Mostly Factual rather than High. (D. Van Zandt 09/23/2025)
Source: https://charter97.org/
Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources