Independent journalist Kastus Zhukouski to stand another trial


Homiel-based freelance journalist Kastus Zhukouski is facing another trial for the alleged violation of the law on mass media. The Belarusian authorities are persecuting him for cooperation with Belsat TV.

Kastus Zhukouski received a message informing that he should appear at Tsentralny district of Homiel on May, 6. The hearing is to start at 15:15.

Our colleague is charged with ‘illegal production of media products’ (Art. 22.9 of the Administrative Code).

According to the journalist, four protocols drawn upon him will be considered tomorrow. Homiel activist Andrey Tolchyn was also summoned to court.

Not long ago, the freelance reporter carried out his own journalistic investigation to see whether the Belarusian law enforcers properly do their job (watch the video below).

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In late March, Kastus Zhukouski was subpoenaed by both prosecutor’s office and the KGB for covering ‘non-parasite’ protests in Homiel and reporting economic and social problems in other Belarusian cities and towns. In April, a heavy fine was imposed on him.

In 2016, Zhukouski has been fined 7 times for illegal production and distribution of media products (Article 22.9 of the Administrative Code), but in fact – for contribution to foreign mass media without having accreditation. Protesting against unfair decisions, he even sewed his mouth.

Although Belsat TV is located in Poland, many journalists and contributors work in Belarus. As the Belarusian Foreign Ministery has repeatedly denied registration to the TV station for political reasons, its contributors are at the authorities’ gunpoint for working without it.

belsat.eu

TWITTER