Two Defendants In BelTA Case Freed From Criminal Liability

The journalists have paid heavy fines.

Two defendants in the BelTA case, Deutsche Welle correspondent Pauliuk Bykouski and Realt.by portal editor Uladzislau Kuletski, were freed from criminal liability, tut.by writes.

Pauliuk Bykouski and Uladzislau Kuletski petitioned for termination of the criminal proceedings on the basis of Art. 86 of the Criminal Code. And their petitions were granted. In particular, Pauliuk Bykouski was released from criminal responsibility in connection with the application of administrative sanctions against him. He paid a fine of 30 basic units – 735 rubles. Uladzislau Kuletski – 10 basic units, 245 rubles.

As previously reported, 14 journalists are defendants in the BelTA case. They are accused of unauthorized access to the paid newsline of the state news agency BelTA. Many of the defendants are also charged large sums as compensation.