The “Nasha Niva” correspondent Siamion Piechanko is sentenced to 15 Days of Jail. The photographer Andrei Lankievich will be tried on March 27. Both were detained while they covered the demonstration in the centre of Minsk on March 25. Both journalists are accused of violating the order of arrangement and holding mass events (26-MARCH-08).
Based on information from Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). Film by Nasha Niva.
The press journalist and photographer of “Nasha Niva” Andrei Lyankevich was brutally beaten by riot policemen on March 25 during the demonstration in Minsk. See the film by Nasha Niva here. A court session on the administrative case, filed in relation to a “Nasha Niva” photo correspondent Andrei Lankievich will be continued on March 27, 2008. A judge of Zavodski City District Court of Minsk started regarding his case today. However, the court hearingsshe was postponed, since the judge obliged the journalist to present forcible evidence of carrying out his journalist professional duties during the demonstration, dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of Belarusian People’s Republic on March 25, 2008 in Minsk.
Accused for violating the order
The Court of Maskouski City District of Minsk has sentenced “Nasha Niva” correspondent Siamion Piechanko to 15 days of arrest under administrative law. Both journalists are accused of violating the order of arrangement and holding mass events (articles 23, 24 of Belarus’ Code on Administrative Torts). More than 100 people were detained. According to Charter97 Lithuanian TV journalists were detained by riot militia, though they showed their certificate. A cassette was taken away from them and no official explanations were given.
Editor proves the professional duties of correspondents
According to the “Nasha Niva” Editor-in-chief Andrei Skurko, the journalists had press cards and professional journalist equipment with them. (The latter got broken in frenzy by the riot police.) Also, the Editor-in-chief presented “editorial assignments”, given to the detained journalists, proving true the media workers had been implementing their professional duties during the public action.
