Journalist in Homel convicted for wearing a red coat and white balloons
Ivan Adamenka and Dzmitry Kutasau, local pro-democracy activists in Homel, and journalist Tatsiana Bublikava were penalized with fines ranging from Br 525,000 to Br 700,000 ($350) for taking part in a sightseeing walk to mark 90 years of Belarus's first declaration of independence. Activists Alyaksandr Pratsko and Svyataslau Shapavalau will spend 7 and 10 days behind bars correspondingly. All of them were found guilty of being a part of citizens that staged a street rally and a demonstration. The police used videos to support the charges as evidence.
On March 23, some 20 people carrying white-red-white balloons walked around Homel streets associated with the life of Paluta Badunova, a minister with the first government of the Belarusian People's Republic. 9 people were then charged with administrative offenses.
Journalist Tatsiana Bublikava was convicted despite the fact she had been on an editorial assignment covering the event for the Tovarisch newspaper. She was accused of carrying two white balloons, attached to he bag. The judge stressed that the woman was wearing a red coat, thus making "opposition" colors in combination with the white balloons.
Other participants of the sightseeing tour will be tried on March 23 in Homel.
Belapan
On March 23, some 20 people carrying white-red-white balloons walked around Homel streets associated with the life of Paluta Badunova, a minister with the first government of the Belarusian People's Republic. 9 people were then charged with administrative offenses.
Journalist Tatsiana Bublikava was convicted despite the fact she had been on an editorial assignment covering the event for the Tovarisch newspaper. She was accused of carrying two white balloons, attached to he bag. The judge stressed that the woman was wearing a red coat, thus making "opposition" colors in combination with the white balloons.
Other participants of the sightseeing tour will be tried on March 23 in Homel.
Belapan
