Judge Tamara Stavnitskaya has imposed BYN 943 fine on Homiel journalist Larysa Shchyrakova (nearly $480).
Her case was heard in Homiel district court. The judge was considering four protocols drawn by the police upon Shchyrakova – two for illegal production of media products (Article 22.9 of the Administrative Code) and two protocols for non-appearance at a police department.
Over the past weeks, the local police made six protocols upon Shchyrakova, sometimes for absurdist reasons, e.g. for the alleged mess near her home flat; for failing to register her dog.
On March 17, Larysa Shchyrakova was 161 BYN fined. She was tried for taking part in the protests of non-parasites in the Belarusian town of Rahachou on March 12 (Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code). It should be noted that the woman was present at the rally as a reporter.
Earlier this year, the police informed Larysa Shchyrakova’s parents that her 10-year-old son Svyataslau may be taken away and put in an orphanage.
For the last two years, the journalist, who just performs her professional duties, has been held administratively liable 11 times. According to Shchyrakova, the authorities keep persecuting her because she tells and shows the truth.
