Police officer Uladzimir Buhautsou sued freelance journalist and Belsat TV contributor Kastus Zhukouski in Tsentralny district court of Homiel.
The head of Loyeu police department took Zhukouski to court over protection of honor, dignity and business reputation. He also wants to get a compensation for moral damages. The latter is estimated at 2,000 Belarusian rubles.
Uladzimir Buhautsou became offended by Zhukouski posting a video report about the brutal actions of the Loyeu police which had pictures of the policeman; and the publication ‘Policeman suing Belsat TV contributor Kanstantsin Zhukouski’ on belsat.eu.
“The video where Zhukouski is asking Loyeu residents questions has an inscription “Ministry of Interior–Gestapo,” says Bukhautsou in the lawsuit.
Human rights defender Leanid Sudalenka, a representative of the journalist, asked the court to summon Belsat TV as a codefendant.
Uladzimir Buhautsou believes that photos of him should not be posted in online publications about police abuse and violations.
The policeman is asking the court to declare that information in the videos by Zhukouski, including that made for Belsat, humiliates his honor, dignity and destroys reputation.
Bukhautsou also said he was reaching his retirement age and he did not want his relatives and friends to think ill of him.
- Belsat TV journalist Zhukouski tortured by police
- Police punish journalist for making reportage and helping people
- Gloomy leadership: Belsat TV journalists fined most often
In 2016, Zhukouski has already 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.
Belsat.eu, following baj.by
