Journalist from Brest fined for work without accreditation

Alina Litvinchuk was fined Br5.4 mln.

Such a decision in the case of Brest independent journalist was passed by the court of Leninski district of Brest. Charter97.org was told about that by the press-service of the Belarusian Association of Journalists.

Alina Litvinchuk was charged under the infamous article 22.9 Part 2 of the Administrative Code for illegal production and dissemination of informational materials. In particular, the materials, considered in the court, were “passing of information” about activities of Brest regional branch of the Youth Christian Association (YCA), about which a publication was posted at Radio Racyja website.

“I refused to provide any testimony, Alina Litvinchuk said. “The court made conclusions basing upon evidence of a witness, a representative of the YCA, Aliaksandr Drachuk. Judge, Sviataslau Kalina, listened to the witness and even without going to a consultation room, read out a ruling, as he had a ready one with him. It is obvious that in this case my rights under the Constitution of Belarus are violated. The Constitution guarantees each citizen a right for unrestricted collection and dissemination of information.

Alina Litvinchuk said that she is going to challenge the ruling.