Belsat TV contributor to be tried for ‘illegal distribution of information’


Yauhen Merkis is accused of illegally distributing information.

On Monday, he was summoned to Savetski district police department in Homiel. A protocol was drawn upon the freelance journalist for violation of law on mass media (Article 22.9 of the Administrative Code).

According to the investigator, the court will subpoena Mr Merkis ‘tomorrow or the day after’.

Yauhen Merkis livestreamed protest rallies in Vitsebsk, Homiel and Rahachou for Belsat TV.


Decree Nr 3 signed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka in April, 2015 established the obligation of the citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens permanently residing in Belarus, stateless persons, who did not participate in the financing of public spending or participated in such financing less than 183 days (six months – ed.) in the past year, to pay a fee of 20 basic units (appr. $230).

The notorious decree caused a massive public outcry. In February-March, protests were held in a number of Belarusian cities and towns. On March 9, the implementation of the infamous ‘parasite’ law was put on the back burner.

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