The journalist was limited to work in the electoral center to one hour only :: Charter'97 :: News

The journalist of the non-governmental, social and political “Narodnaya Volya” newspaper Mr. Valery Shchukin was barred from entering the electoral center during pre-term voting and also during the deputies to local Councils Election Day in Vitebsk.

Mrs. Nina Shubina, the Head of the election committee #52 in Vitebsk, informed journalists on January 12, that he is allowed to work on this district during one hour only.

Mrs. N. Shubina presented appropriate document with her sign to Mr. Shchukin in support of her words.

“Taking into consideration that you are always on the electoral center #52 from 10.00 till 14.00 and from 16.00 till 19.00 in the period of January 09-12, 2007, thereby fulfilling functions of an observer, but not mass media representative, the time of being on the electoral district #52 is limited for you by 1 (one) hour by the decision of the divisional election committee of the electoral center #52...,” – informs the letter, which the journalist received in the evening of January 12, when he had come to the electoral district, just after he had been released by the police.

It should be reminded that Mr. Valery Shchukin was arrested in the electoral district #52 by policemen the same day about 12.30 and delivered to Pershamayski Regional Department of Internal Affairs for giving evidence by call-up papers. Mr. B. Shchukin was kept until 17.30, after that he was released without drawing up a report.

“Policemen answered on my demand to draw up a report: “We hadn’t arrested you.” I didn’t enter the electoral center and worked near in the street, observed, how voters visit the center on January 13. And when I came on January 14, I was almost immediately told that “your allowed hour for work in the electoral center had gone”, - Mr. Valery Shchukin told to the BAJ Press Service.

By the way, mass media representatives as well as observers have the right to attend at holding elections, according to Belarusian election legislative. Particularly, journalists have the right to attend at the election center from the moment of filling to the final sizing up of the elections. Including attending during the pre-term voting.