Trial of Andrei Mialeshka to continue October 7

October 2, HrodnaDistrict Court started the trial of the administrative case against a freelance journalist Andrei Mialeshka. He is accused of illegally producing and distributing information production, which is penalized by Article 22.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

The hearing, conducted by Judge Hanna Liavusik, lasted only 5 minutes. Andrei Mialeshka solicited for being given an opportunity to study the case and conclude a service agreement with a lawyer, which was granted. The trial will continue on Tuesday, October 7, at 11 a.m.

Local human rights activists point that this is already the fourth such case in the Hrodna region against journalists who cooperate with independent media – Belarusian Radio “Racyja” and the TV channel "BelSat". Earlier, the Leninski District Court of Hrodna fined Ales Dzianisau, the Karelichy District Court – Ales Zaleuski and the Kastrychnitski District Court of Hrodna – Andrei Mialeshki. All of them were punished under the aforementioned article. Journalists and human rights activists consider this trend as a violation of constitutional rights and de facto ban on the profession.