In Vitebsk regional court held consideration of complaints Tatiana Sechko. Orsha resident fined for distributing leaflets about the "People's referendum", accusing it of violating the law on mass media. The Ministry of Information has confirmed that the leaflets do not belong to the media, but the Regional Court did not take this into account.

Tatiana Sechko was detained on August 12 while distributing leaflets in mailboxes. After the detention of Ms. Tatiana released without a protocol, but a week later, on August 20 Minutes about the offense yet been compiled deputy head of the protection and prevention of law Sergey Bezlyudovym. He qualified activist actions under Article 22.9 of the Administrative Code - a violation of the legislation on the media.

September 11 in Orsha Court held consideration of the administrative case. Judge Olesya Drankova agreed with the conclusions of a police officer and decided to impose a fine lady. Thus, "for violating the law on mass media" flyers distribution was fined 40 basic units.

"It's close to the "top bar", as under Article 22.9 of the penalty from 20 to 50 basic units - emphasizes Orsha activist of campaign "Tell the Truth" Ales Shutov. - Seeing this, we decided to apply to the Ministry of Information. It leaflets - it does not the media, and the punishment, but is a tough, looks unreasonable."

In response to a request from the Ministry of Orsha activists of information received a letter signed by the Deputy Minister Vladimir Matusevich. The letter stated that "according to GOST 7.60-2005" Publications. Main types. Terms and definitions "and specifications BY 100083317.002-2007 you sent me a printed edition and non-periodicity, respectively, is not a mass medium."

Letter of the Ministry of Information Sechko Tatiana took her to the examination of the application in the Vitebsk regional court. In her petition a judge of the regional court Svetlana Ivanova introduced him this letter to the court case, but the result is not affected.

"Judge not Regional Court quashed the decision of the trial court, despite the explanation of the deputy minister of information that leaflets - it's not the media, and thus the distribution of leaflets can not be considered a violation of the legislation on the media" - told was present before Ales Shutov.

Activists believe that the conclusions of the judge of the regional court should be challenged in the complaint to the Chairman of the Vitebsk regional court. And what is obvious in this case is the pursuit of Tatiana Sechko for social activity. She distributed leaflets about the "people's referendum" on their own convictions, which have - a legitimate right of any citizen. As well as the right to an unbiased independent court, which in respect of Tatiana Sechko was also violated, says Ales Shutov.

Viasna Human Rigths Center