Rahachou police stop proceedings against editor of pro-government weekly over insulting civil activist

The police department of the town of Rahachou has dropped the administrative charges brought against the editor-in-chief of local government-owned newspaper “Svabodnaye Slova” ("Free Speech"). The police representatives say they failed to find any elements of an administrative offence in the actions of the editor.

The case was initiated after local civil society activist Dzianis Dashkevich urged the police to prosecute the editor on libel charges.

"By order of the Rahachou district police chief the case was unexpectedly terminated. That is how it is put in the document that I received by mail. Besides, I was told that I could appeal the decision at Rahachou Prosecutor’s Office. That’s exactly what I intend to do,” says the activist.
Dzianis Dashkevich also intends to file a lawsuit to seek justice for the public humiliation by the editor.