Ales Liauchuk: Situation Looks Ridiculous, There Are Violations Every Step Of The Way

The independent journalist struggles with the judicial system of Belarus.

Independent journalist Ales Liauchuk is tried again for the news piece made six months ago. Now the journalist is trying for the second time to challenge the decision of the Maskouski district court of Brest, belsat.eu reports.

Last year, Belsat wrote that the Shevchenko Street in Brest was repaired only partially, while it was reported that the works were conducted in full scope. The Belsat film crew went there and filmed a report. For this, policeman Raman Trafimuk made a protocol for "work without accreditation" (Article 22.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) against Ales Liauchuk.

The policeman could not properly draw up the protocol at the first attempt, but there was no time to revise it. Then Trafimuk compiled a new protocol, but without the participation and signature of Liauchuk. Despite this, judge of the Maskouski district court of Brest Raman Karaban sentenced the journalist to a fine of 25 base fees (Bn 612.5). This decision was canceled by the Brest Regional Court on April 12.

However, on April 25, Liauchuk received a message via Viber that he would be tried again on March 4 in the Maskouski district court of Brest.

"As soon as I told Belsat about such calls to the court, they started sending me not only ordinary classical subpoenas, but also text messages. However, it's illegal to call the court through Viber, so my lawyer wrote complaints to the prosecutor's office and the court chairman, " - says Ales Liauchuk.

As a result, on May 4, judge of the Maskouski district court Raisa Labacheuskaya once again fined Ales Liauchuk for 25 base fees (Bn 612.5).

"Today I filed a complaint to the regional court, I'll try to win again. This situation looks ridiculous, violations just at every step of the way. But the main thing is that due to these trials, the topic of asphalt stolen on Shevchenko Street is voiced," - the journalist sums up.