Trial of Journalists Who Broadcast Live from Belarus Protest Begins in Minsk

The trial of two journalists who were arrested while conducting a live video broadcast of a protest in Minsk, Belarus, began on Tuesday, February 9, in Minsk.

Daria Chultsova, a camerawoman for the Poland-based Belsat TV, and her colleague, correspondent Katsiaryna Andreyeva, were arrested on November 15 last year, at an apartment above Chervyakova Street as they broadcast clashes between security forces and protesters, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

“Belarusian authorities should immediately drop the absurd criminal charges against journalists Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova, and release them unconditionally,” said Gulnoza Said, the CPJ Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, in a statement. “The Belarus government must stop punishing journalists for reporting on important political events, and allow them to work freely and without fear of reprisal.”

The pair, who are charged with “organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order,” could face up to three years in prison if convicted. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful