Salihorsk Prosecutor’s Office rejects complaint against state-run newspaper

Salihorsk District Prosecutor's Office considered a complaint lodged by local UCP activist Viktar Malochka against the Shakhtsior state-run newspaper. However, the prosecuting authorities found no reason for the intervention in the incident. In early September, Viktar Malochka petitioned the Prosecutor's Office with a request to prosecute the newspaper’s editor for ignoring sensitive issues and applications of citizens. This, in particular, dealt with the need of covering the situation around the building of a new clinic. According to the website of the United Civil Party, Mr. Malochka personally talked with chief editor Kirkevich on the issue. The latter promised to publish an article, but the activist never saw a publication or an official response from the newspaper. The prosecutor's inspection confirmed that the UCP activist petitioned Shakhtsior’s editorial office over the above problem. However, Acting District Prosecutor D. Savanovich argues that the response to the statement was sent to Viktar Malochka in early August. Viktar Malochka disagrees with this position of the Prosecutor, “The situation is quite absurd. It turns out that the Prosecutor's Office, along with the editors of Shakhtsior, decided to discredit Belposhta (state-owned post system). But I did not receive any letters or notices of correspondence. Besides, if the answer really exists, why didn’t the Prosecutor’s Office provide me with a copy or, at least, oblige the newspaper to send it to me again. According to the activist, he is going to appeal the decision of the Prosecutor's Office of Salihorsk District to the Prosecutor's Office of Minsk Region.