Court Suspended Proceeding On Insult Of Belarusian TV Worker

Source: www.charter97.org

According to Radio Svaboda, Alesia Siuchykava was suspected of insult of honour and dignity of a journalist of the Belarusian TV Dzianis Balshakou. Dzianis charged Siuchykava with sending SMS of insulting nature to him.

In March Dzianis Balshakou was an author of a number of programs on Belarusian TV, in which he stated that defenders of the tent camp on October Square in Minsk allegedly had porno magazines and used drugs. In answer to that, a number of Bolshakou’s mobile phone was published on Internet, and young people were urged to express their opinion about the “creative work” of Dzyanis Balshakou. Alesya Siuchykava wrote a sms to him:

“Dzyanis, the idea with drugs and porno magazines is superb. Students of journalism faculty in Akrestsin Street would never forget you!”

Balshakou believes that this short message insults his honour and dignity, and asked police to bring the author to responsibility. Besides Alesia, Aliaksei Nikuliak and Ihar Sechka are also accused in this case, as they sent messages to Balshakou as well.

During the consideration of this case, Mr. Nikulyak and Mr. Sechka settled the affair by compromise, and actions against them were withdrawn. The charge against Alesia Siuchykava was dismissed because of absence of crime in her actions. Judge Valiantsina Ziankovich has not seen offence to Balshakou’s honour and dignity in the message of Alesia Siuchykava.