Trial against “Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta” and Iryna Makavietskaia Starts on October 2

At 10 a.m. on October 2 there will start court consideration of Viachaslau Tsierakhovich’s suit against the editorial staff of the newspaper “Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta” and the correspondent in Homiel and Homiel region Iryna Makavietskaia.

The journalists, who touch the topic of human rights and criticize actions of the authorities, face the risk of persecution by State officials. Iryna Makavietskaia elucidated the “case of medics” (case concerning the ostensible bribery among workers of Homiel Medical Institute). This wasn’t a usual case. Iury Bandazheuski studied the influence of small radiation dozes on human body, which could be the real cause for his persecution. Besides, at the trial there were mentioned numerous facts of violent, inhumane treatment with the suspects, psychological pressure and even usage of psychotropic drugs towards the provost Uladzimir Raukou.

The investigator is of opinion that “the information, distributed by Makavietskaia and the editorial staff of the newspaper, are false, harm his honor and reputation”.

Information Department of PA HRC “Viasna”