Independent newspapers distributors and journalists detained in Hrodna
23 November in Hrodna the police detained several activists who were distributing Nasha Niva and Nasha Slova independent newspapers. Besides, journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mikola Markievich, who watched the action, were also detained.
The activists were distributing newspapers and leaflets of Belsat TV Channel in the street when they were detained, although the newspapers are officially registered. A reporter of Polish Gazeta Wyborcha Andrzej Poczobut and an independent journalist Mikola Markievich followed the detained up to the police station.
"Immediately after I had made a photo picture in front of the police station, police warrant officer Afanasieu ran up to us and detained us. He paid no attention to the fact we are journalists," Andrzej Poczobut told BAJ Press Service.
The journalists spent 15 minutes in the police station. The officer who detained them made a telephone call, and he set them free immediately after it. Besides, he apologized.
According to Andrzej Poczobut, the activists detained were also set free in an hour. The newspapers were not confiscated.
