Brest: freelance journalist Ina Khomich challenges fine

The journalist challenges the fine of 30 basic units, imposed on her on April 1 by the Maskoŭski District Court of Brest for "for illegal distribution and production of media products".

In hear cassation appeal Ina Khomich asksBrest Regional Court to check compliance of the law on mass media with the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. In particular, the journalist suggests that mandatory accreditation requirement violates the constitutional rights of citizens, as the Constitutionguarantees the right to gather and disseminate information. This right is also enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Belarus.

Ina Khomich wants to draw attention to the fact that Belarus has limited the right of citizens to gather information, although it is guaranteed by the Constitution. Meanwhile, six Belarusian freelance journalists have been punished for preparation of information materials for foreign media. Some of them have even received repeated penalties.