(WiPC/IFEX) – On 28 January 1998, the Oshmyany Municipal Court sentenced Pavel Sheremet, Minsk Bureau Chief of the Russian Television company, ORT, to two years probation. Sheremet had been arrested in July 1997 on charges of illegal border crossing. He was held until October before being freed pending trial. WiPC considered him to be detained […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 28 January 1998, the Oshmyany Municipal Court sentenced
Pavel Sheremet, Minsk Bureau Chief of the Russian Television company, ORT,
to two years probation. Sheremet had been arrested in July 1997 on charges
of illegal border crossing. He was held until October before being freed
pending trial. WiPC considered him to be detained in violation of his right
to practice his profession as a journalist and campaigned for his release.
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 15 December, 10 October, 9 September, 15 and 6
August, 31 and 28 July 1997**
WiPC is disappointed that Sheremet is now faced with the prospect of further
judicial proceedings should he break the terms of his probation. WiPC
understands that Sheremet is appealing against the court’s decision.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Sheremet
Sheremet was convicted, have been levied as a means of halting his critical
reporting of Belarus government policy, and that as a consequence, the
two-year term of probation will serve to further curtail his freedom to
practice his profession as a journalist
authorities take into consideration international concerns that the
conviction was passed as a means of restricting Sheremet’s right to free
expression, and that is acquitted as a result
Appeals To
His Excellency
President Alexander Lukashenko
Minsk, Belarus
Fax:+375 172 23 58 25 or 22 38 27Valentin Agolets
Minister of the Interior
Minsk, Belarus
Fax: + 375 172 23 99 18
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
