Journalists Aliaksandr Dzianisau and Aliaksandr Kirkevich file appeals

Hrodna freelance journalists Aliaksandr Dzianisau and Aliaksandr Kirkevich have filed appeals to Hrodna Regional Court. April 22, both of them had been fined by Judge of the Leninski District Court of Hrodna Alena Piatrova 20 base units under Article 22.9 of the Administrative Code for alleged illegal production and distribution of information products.

In their appeals the journalists point at several significant legislative aspects. They argue that Part 2 of Art. 22.9 of the Administrative Code does not provide for the responsibility for working without accreditation. Part 2 of Art. 22.9 of the Administrative Code establishes liability for the illegal production and distribution of mass media products. However, preparation of a video, for which they have been punished, cannot be regarded as distribution of a mass media product. The court could have put such claims to the satellite TV channel “BelSat”, but not to the journalists.

Dzianisau and Kirkevich also point at the fact that the court verdict violates their constitutional rights and liberties.

The date of the consideration of the appeals hasn't been appointed so far.