Hantsavitski Chas Reporter Wins Case

On September 22 Lakhavichy court satisfied the suit of Sofia Yasko, reporter of Hantsavitski Chas independent newspaper. Sofia Yasko sued the state-run newspaper Sovetskoye Polesye and its editor-in-chief Halina Mazina. The court recognized that the official newspaper spread untrue information insulting honor, dignity, and business reputation of the journalist of the independent newspaper.

Sofia Yasko sued Sovetskoye Polesye for the article by Halina Mazina published by the newspaper on 19 May 2004. Mazina accused the journalist of the independent edition of moral unscrupulousness, non-professionalism, and disrespect for state symbols.

After several sessions at Hantsavichy court the trial was transferred to Lakhavichy court and was closed for public.

Lakhavichy district court presided by A. I. Hushchyn ruled Sovetskoye Polesye newspaper and its editor should publish refutation on the front page and present their apologies to Sofia Yasko and the readers. Besides that, they are to reimburse the costs.

The decision may be appealed to Brest regional court within 10 days.