Editorial Board of Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta Is Fined 23 000 Dollars

Minsk Kastrychnitski Borough Court ruled to fine the editorial board of BDG. Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta 50 million rubles (more than 23 000 US dollars) and the journalist Siarhiei Satsuk – 5 million rubles for the benefit of the former riot squad officer Siarhiei Biadrytski.

In June 2005 the former policeman sued to the court concerning protection of his honor and dignity. The matter is that #70 of the newspaper, dated 20 May 2003 had the article “Advertisement action” by Siarhiei Satsuk, devoted to investigation of the criminal case against two persons who were accused in several crimes. One of these persons is the plaintiff. He demanded 100 million rubles compensation from Marat enterprise (the newspaper founder) and 10 million rubles from the journalist. The trial started this summer, but was suspended because of absence of the plaintiff’s lawyer. On 29 September the court hearings were resumed.

According to the information of the defense lawyer Larysa Atamanchuk, who represented BDG interests, the court partially satisfied the suit. The published information was found corrupt and insulting for the plaintiff’s honor and dignity. The editorial staff of the newspaper was obliged to publish a disproval within 30-day term and pay 50 million rubles to the plaintiff. Mr. Satsuk was also fined 5 million rubles for the benefit of Siarhiei Biadrytski.

Press-service of Belarusian Association of Journalists