Independent journalist denied accreditation for sixth time

Journalist Viktar Parfionenka from Hrodna has been denied accreditation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the sixth time.

Officials don't want to give the freelancer an opportunity to work legally, Viasna human rights centre writes.

The MFA refers to the law on mass media and the MFA's rules of accreditation. Independent journalists from Hrodna have found themselves in a vicious circle. They receive warnings from prosecutors, stand trials and get fines allegedly for the “illegal distribution of information”. It in fact means a ban on profession. Hrodna-based journalists are prosecuted for their cooperation with Radio Racyja and Belsat TV.

Viktar Parfionenka plans to file documents for accreditation again. He doesn't rule out the possibility of applying to a court. The journalist thinks his constitutional rights were violated.