Last fakes of the week
21 March 2026
“Corporations are losing trillions.” How CTV exaggerated the impact of Tehran’s strikes on Western markets
On the CTV show Azaryonok. Napryamuyu, it was claimed that Iran had found the “Achilles’ heel of global capitalism,” and that Western corporations are now losing trillions of dollars. The Weekly Top Fake team discovered that Azaronak and his interlocutor greatly exaggerated the effects of the war on the stock market.
misrepresentation, Iran, USA, CTV TV channel, Ryhor Azaronak, Aliaksei Audonin, war, economy.
20 March 2026
“Ukraine plans to slash parental leave ninefold.” News.by misrepresented the initiative for additional parental leave
The host of the First Information TV Channel reported that in Ukraine, there’s a push to shorten parental leave from three years to just four months. The Weekly Top Fake team discovered that the proposal was not about abolishing current parental leave, but rather about introducing additional paid leave.
fabrication, Ukraine, First Information TV Channel news.by, children, demography.
19 March 2026
Although the authorities fulfilled the plan by only one third, GDP growth over the five-year period was presented on ONT (All-National TV) as a success.
The state-run TV channel ONT presented Belarus’s GDP growth over the past five years as evidence of positive economic dynamics.However, the news story did not mention that the authorities had expected a much higher result. The discrepancy between planned and actual growth has persisted for years.
concealment, Belarus, All-National TV channel, economy, statistics.
16 March 2026
“There is no money left for basic groceries.” CTV passed off a rise in the exchange electricity price as a tariff increase in Latvia
According to the CTV TV channel, electricity prices in Latvia have risen by 83% this winter. After paying for utilities, residents allegedly barely have money left for groceries. The Weekly Top Fake team found that a rise in the exchange price of electricity was presented as an increase in tariffs for households. Fixed rates for most consumers have not changed; however, bills have increased primarily due to higher electricity consumption in cold weather.
misrepresentation, Latvia, CTV TV channel, economy, rising prices, utility bills.
14 March 2026
“Having more than one husband is permitted.” A Belarusian radio guest twisted China’s marriage norms
Political scientist Tatiana Solodovnikova said on Belarusian Radio that, in some Chinese provinces, women are officially allowed to have multiple husbands to increase the birth rate. In fact, Chinese law entrenches the principle of monogamy, and polygamy is associated with former local customs. It is now officially prohibited.
misrepresentation, China, First national channel of Belarusian radio, Tatiana Solodovnikova, traditional values.