Two More Hrodna Journalists Convicted For Picket :: Charter'97 :: News

Natallya Makushyna and Anatol Makushyn are fined 20 basic units (553 USD) each by the court of Lenin district of Hrodna on November 3. Judge Viktoryja Kulakowskaya found the journalists guilty of violating Article 167-1 of the Administrative Code (violation of the order of carrying out or organizing assemblies, meetings, street rallies, pickets, etc.).

Natallya Makushyna told that harsh court rulings to the journalists demonstrate that the authorities are going to restore the regime of Bolsheviks and to stifle freedom of expression in the country. Representatives of the press, who came to the court with badges “Free Mazhejka!”, were not allowed to enter the court room, and made them take away the badges.

Natallya and Anatol Makushyns were detained on October 29 in the court of Lenin district, were the administrative case of Paval Mazhejka was considered. Together with P. Mazhejka and two more journalists they took part in the picket on October 4, protesting against increased pressure on independent press.

Paval Mazhejka, who was sentenced to 7 days of administrative arrest by the court of Lenin district of Hrodna, now is kept in the pore-trial detention center of October district of Hrodna, the press service of the Belrusian Association of Journalists informs.