News

Early in the morning of February 16th the press secretary of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Barys Haretski sent out the message that the security forces had come for him. Later, they also came to the BAJ’s lawyer Aleh Aheyeu and the chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Andrei Bastunets who was taken to witness the search in the office. In addition, searches of journalists and human rights activists in different cities are also being carried out. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet been able to provide a substantial comment.

Belsat reporters Lubou Luniova and Dzmitry Buyanau (Soltan) were detained on the job on 8 February. The police detained him for alleged disorderly conduct (Art. 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences). February 10 Judge Maryna Fiodarava sentenced the journalists to administrative arrests: 10 days to Lubou, and 15 days -- to Dzmitry.

Today is the day of the trial of Belsat journalists Katerina Andreeva and Darya Chultsova. Last November they were reporting live from the memorial of Roman Bondarenko — a young man beaten to death by unknown people. That day protesters and mourners gathered in Changes Square in Minsk, soon they were brutally dispersed by riot police, journalists of various media agencies were detained. Later they were accused of “inducing mass disorder.”

The Minsk Leninski Borough Court has postponed the hearing in the case of journalist Nadzeya Kalinina of TUT.by. The woman was released, as three days had passed since her detention, BAJ reports.