Editor of “Novaya Hazeta Smarhoni” Proves Her Right

According to the press service of the PA “Belarusian Association of Journalists” on 21 October Smarhon District Court satisfied the complaint of Alina Suravets, editor-in-chief of “Novaya Hazeta Smarhoni”, Head of Smarhon branch of Belarusian Association of Journalists, against the decision of Smarhon District Deputy Soviet to expel her from its sitting. The court ruled to find this decision illegal and set it aside. ?#152;

We should remind that in 25 June 2003, at a session of Smarhon District Deputy Soviet its Head Mikalay Shysh stated that A. Suravets had no written invitation for the session and called the policeman who led her out of the sitting hall.

On 12 September the journalist complained to Smarhon District Court. The case consideration started last week and lasted for three days. During the hearings it was found that the minutes of the session, held on 25 June, included the decision to prohibit journalists of “Novaya Hazeta Smarhoni” to attend all future sessions. The court considered this decision illegal and set it aside.