On the eve of November 5, the day of the World "Stand Up for Journalism", a group of Vitebsk members of the NGO "Belarusian Association of Journalists" was photographed on a background of the building with the city's renowned graffiti - images of cells that fly made of paper birds. Who is participating in a photo shoot cause Vitebsk Railway police department, to draw up protocols for taking part in an unsanctioned rally (Art. 23.34 of the Administrative Code) and are going to be judged. European Federation of Journalists and its member - NGO "Belarusian Association of Journalists" - believe absurd exposed Vitebsk colleagues charges.
November 5th in the world, the campaign "Stand Up for Journalism", which was held at the initiative of the International and European Federation of Journalists is the seventh consecutive year. By this date, reporters around the world are usually fine for friendly meetings, presentations, seminars, etc. to strengthen solidarity and mutual understanding among journalists. Family photo - this is one of the most common ways to celebrate this date, which is widely practiced by journalists around the world.
Judged as "unapproved share" for a photo shoot on the background of the city wall - this is anecdotal situation that would be regrettable if it were not reflected on the fate of individuals. Photo session took place in virtually deserted place - near the building, closed for restoration, which also is not in the city center. To conduct a photo shoot do not need to apply both to hold a mass rally: photo session is not considered mass action according to the law on mass events in Belarus. However, the police regarded the behavior of participants in a photo shoot just as "picketing". Participants photoshoot strongly disagree with this interpretation of their actions.
EFJ and the NGO "Belarusian Association of Journalists" are also protesting about it and call:
- Department of Law Enforcement and Prevention Police Zheleznodorozhny District of Vitebsk and personally its chief Alexander Rybakov - urgently withdraw the protocols drawn up against participants of the photo shoot.
- ATC Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee and personally deputy chief of law enforcement and prevention ATC Alexander Kalinowski - immediately withdraw from ATS Zheleznodorozhny District of Vitebsk order to prosecute members of street photo shoot.
- Court, which may come Protocol on the involvement of these people in the "unauthorized action" - objectively and comprehensively evaluate their business and make decisions based on the law and common sense.
Approved by the Board of the NGO "Belarusian Association of Journalists" of 25.11.2014
Supported the Secretary-General EFJ Gutierosom Ricardo (Ricardo Gutierrez) and EFJ Director Renate Schroeder (Renate Schroeder).
PS: November 26 text of the open letter was sent to the police department Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee and the Department of Law Enforcement and Prevention Police Zheleznodorozhny District of Vitebsk.
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