Formerly imprisoned journalist Siarhei Hardzievich detained at border crossing
According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists' source, Siarhei Hardzievich was detained on September 14 at the Brest border checkpoint as he was returning to Belarus from Poland.
Allegedly, the former journalist for the Pershy Rehijon publication had his phone examined at the crossing and subsequetly arrested and sent to Brest temporary detention center.
It is likely that Siarhei Hardzievich is accused of distribution or storage of extremist content in his phone.
The journalist previously cooperated with the independent Internet portal Pershy Rehijon and reported from the town of Drahichyn.
On 2 August 2021 the Ivanava District Court found Siarhei Hardzievich guilty for insulting public official, as well as spreading libel and insulting the president.
The journalist pleaded not guilty and was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison. He was recognized as a political prisoner.
Hardzievich was released at the end of October 2022 after serving his sentence.
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