Belarus MFA strips Russian journo of accreditation over news story about coronavirus
On May 6, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry revoked the accreditation of Alexei Kruchinin, a correspondent of Russia’s state-owned Channel 1, and his cameraman.
In his reports, the journalist covered the coronavirus crisis in Belarus.
In a recent news item aired on Channel 1, Alexei Kruchinin said that there was a sharp rise in the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 after Orthodox believers had celebrated Easter in Belarus. The journalist gave the floor to the residents of the town of Stoubtsy which is rumoured to be an infection focal point. The latter expressed concern over the situation. It should be noted that Kruchinin was reporting from Stoubtsy against the background of newly-made graves.
According to the Belarusian side, the Russian crew’s accreditation was withdrawn as the story contained ‘seven fake stories’ and ‘much lie’ about the country.
On Thursday, Alexei Kruchinin has been deported from Belarus, the Channel 1 press service says.
As of May 6, the Belarusian Health Ministry has registered the total of 19,255 persons infected with the novel coronavirus in the country; 112 patients have died.
