Tatsiana Pytsko extends the list of media representatives behind bars in Belarus. Now it counts 34 journalists
The Belarusian Association of Journalists has learned that Tatsiana Pytsko, the detained wife of Viachaslau Lazarau, a cameraman from Vitsebsk, is accused of alleged cooperation with the Belsat TV channel.
Tatsiana Pytsko and her husband face up to six years in prison. The Belarusian Association of Journalists has added Tatsiana Pytko to the list of media representatives behind bars.
At the moment there are 34 journalists in captivity in Belarus.
On June 21, the Belarusian human rights community recognized Tatsiana Pytsko as a political prisoner.
Tatsiana Pytsko was arrested on June 6 and charged with creating or participating in an extremist formation.
The reasons for the arrest became known after Tatsiana’s case was brought before the Investigative Committee. The investigators were interested in who filmed Viachaslau Lazarau, who initiated the recording, and who commissioned the video material. The Investigative Committee found the cameraman’s archive, which was stored on his computers and cell phone. They also found video footage with Tatsiana Pytsko. According to the investigation, she participated in the activities of an extremist formation.
Her husband Viachaslau Lazarau was charged under Article 361–4 of the Criminal Code (promoting extremist activities) for association with a non-state mass media declared extremist in Belarus. He was detained on February 9 this year and has remained in custody ever since.
Read more:
BAJ piece on dismissed state TV employees deemed “extremist”
“We stand in full solidarity with our brave colleagues!” The IFJ keeps torch of solidarity with journalist prisoners burning
Tatsiana Pytsko prosecuted for helping her husband, videographer Viachaslau Lazarau