Protest in Orsha: Belsat TV journalist arrested by police (ENG video)

On Sunday, residents of Orsha, Babruysk and Rahachou took to the streets to protest the so-called ‘parasite’ law.

The Orsha police detained Belsat TV cameraman Alyaksandr Barazenka after he had filmed Russian flags in a Jeep of the Belarusian riot police (watch the video below). Barazenka was taken to Orsha district police department, journalist Katsyaryna Andreyeva accompanied him. An hour later, Alyaksandr Barazenka was released, but the policemen started to threaten Ms Andreyeva with 15-day arrest. 

Turn English subtitles on: Belsat TV journalists being detained live 

According to human rights activists, the journalist is being kept in a cell in the police station.

(UPD) Katsyaryna Andreyeva will stand trial at 11 a.m. on Monday. Our colleague is accused of violation of law on mass media and disobedience to police (Articles 22.9 and 23.4 of the Code of Administrative Offences). According to preliminary information, the journalist is facing up to 15 days of arrest.

Politician Pavel Sevyarynets and 10 persons detained during today’s protest rally in Orsha were also taken to the police department.

Our colleagues kept livestreaming even when being arrested.

Belsat TV, Internet users urged indifferent people, especially local residents, to call the Orsha police and ask what for our colleague had been detained (+375 216 21 83 78).

Decree Nr 3 signed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka in April, 2015 established the obligation of the citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens permanently residing in Belarus, stateless persons, who did not participate in the financing of public spending or participated in such financing less than 183 days (six months – ed.) in the past year, to pay a fee of 20 basic units (appr. $230).

The notorious decree caused a massive public outcry. In February-March, protests were held in a number of Belarusian cities and towns. On March 9, the implementation of the infamous ‘parasite’ law was put on the back burner.

Belsat.eu

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