On December 24, the Vitebsk regional court hears appeals of journalists and activists fined for photographing birds and cages. The case of six participants photoshoot assorted different judges - Edgar Martirosyan, Svetlana Ivanova and Irina Smolyakova - but the result of their proceedings the same: complaints were not met, the decision of the Court of Zheleznodorozhny District, left unchanged.

Judge of the Regional Court did not agree with the arguments punished, who argued that the photo shoot is not picketing, or other events, to conduct which is necessary to take permission. Were also not taken into account links to numerous procedural violations committed by the trial court.

"I did not expect anything good from this court, because I know that our judicial system is designed not to protect the rights of people and to protect the regime. Therefore, the result was known, "- commented the decision of the judges of the regional court, one participant photoshoot, freelance journalist Kastus Mardzvincau.

Recall, the members of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Elena Stepanova, Dmitry Kazakevitch, Kastus Mardzvincau? Elena Shabunya, Pavel Levinau, as well as an activist organizing committee of the BCD Tatiana Sevyarynets in early November were photographed against a background of urban graffiti with birds and cells made of paper. The photos were leaked online. Business do police officers who participated in a photo shoot considered unauthorized picket. At the photo shoot participants made reports, then they are punished with fines ranging from 18 to 25 basic units.

Another participant of the photo shoot, the casual passer Peter Berlinov, was punished by a 3-day arrest. He also filed an appeal against that Regional Court in an expedited manner previously. Moreover, according to Mr. Berlinov agenda with the date and time of the trial, he received the next day after a judicial review of his complaint has already taken place. The result is the same: Regional Court found the punishment for taking part in a photo shoot just.