Journalist detained in Homel for talking to people

The police detained Anatol Hatouchyts at the central railway station in Homel on March 12.

According to the journalist, he was talking to people who were coming from or leaving for Ukraine. “Police officer Kukharenka came to me. He didn't like that I talked to people. He said the railway station was a strategic object, so taking photos and filming were prohibited there,” said Mr. Hatouchyts.

The journalist was taken to a police station. He was set free later, BelaPAN reports.

Anatol Hatouchyts says he was surprised to see such a reaction from the police. “No laws prohibit to talk to people at the railway station. Tourists, who come to Homel, take photos of the railway station. It has never been a problem,” the journalist said.