Another sentence against independent media was given on Thursday. Hlybokaye district court imposed a fine (25 basic units) on local journalist Zmitser Lupach.
The journalist was accused of illegal production and distributing media products (Article 22.9 of the Administrative Code). The case was based on the news item – a story about a Pole who defended the border in 1939 – posted on the website of European Radio for Belarus.
On Friday, the case of Mahiliou-based correspondent Alina Skrabunova is to be tried. The woman will appear before court for the reportage from Strommashina plant which was aired by Belsat TV this spring.
Some days ago freelance journalists Ales Kirkevich and Ales Dzyanisau were charged with the cooperation with our channel. The reason for the accusation was their covering a cultural event – the exhibition of dolls made by Lithuanian artists in Hrodna.
The total amount of fines imposed on independent journalists under Art. 22.9 has reached 133 280 000 Belarusian rubles (more than 8,000 euros).
