Blogger Andrei Pavuk Threw Out Challenge To MIA Security Department And Won

The independent blogger has defended the right to videotape the police.

Famous blogger, BAJ member Andrei Pavuk from Kastrychnitski district center achieved the revision of the departmental instruction of the MIA Security Department of Belarus, - the monitoring service of the Belarusian Association of Journalists reports.

That's how it happened. Whenever Andrei entered the local district court with his camera or video camera, through which he was streaming, the policemen always demanded to stop the recording. And they referred to the departmental instruction, which prohibits photo and video recording even in the hall of the court. We are not talking about court sessions now - there is another order out there.

The blogger had one answer to the policemen's claims: "This is your instruction. I act according to the Constitution, it does not prohibit making photos in court".

The policemen held their ground - the instruction.

Andrei Pavuk appealed to the head of the district department of security, Siarhei Datsko. But it turned out that he was not authorized to solve such issues. The appeal was considered by the head of Svetlahorsk division of MIA Security Department, police lieutenant colonel Vital Dzeviatsilau.

Lieutenant Colonel Dzeviatsilau said the following in response to Pavuk:

"We would like to inform you that today the administration of the court of Kastrychnitski district has made appropriate changes to the requirements concerning the order of photo and video recording in the administrative building of the Kastrychnitski district court. Photo and video recording in the court building is not prohibited".

According to an official letter signed by police lieutenant colonel Dzeviatsilau, this information has been reported to all employees of the Svetlahorsk division of MIA Security Department.

"I am glad that the common sense finally won. Through such small steps we expand our own freedom. Both courts, police and executive committees exist on taxpayers' money and should work openly and transparently," - Andrei Pavuk said.