Homiel journalist files complaint with UN Human Rights Committee
He was accused of participating in an unauthorized mass event for covering a picket in Svetlahorsk.
Homiel journalist Kastus Zhukousky has filed a complaint with UN Human Rights Committee. He covered a picket in Svetlohorsk and for that he was accused of participating in an "unauthorized mass event."
In November 2014, a public activist Yury Lyashenka held a picket in Svetlahorsk. At first he tried to enter the executive committee, to share with the administration his suggestions on protecting the rights of people with disabilities. When it didn't work, Mr Lyashenka was forced to stand with a poster on the square. As Euroradio reported earlier, three minutes later he was forcibly taken away by the ambulance.
All this was shot on video by Homiel citizen Kanstantsin Zhukouski, who, besides his main job, earns extra as a freelance journalist. He sent the footage to a number of media outlets. And after a while Mr Zhukouski was fined.
Recently, a freelance journalist filed a complaint with the UN Committee on Human Rights about the violations of the rights to collect and spread information:
"I want to hear the truth at least in the United Nations. Because I have run out of all possible options in Belarus. There is nobody to complain to, only the United Nations remain. I demand through the United Nations to have the right to collect and spread information."
Konstantine Zhukouski was fined 900 thousand rubles. He believes that this is an attempt by the authorities to intimidate him.
