KGB Persecutes Belsat Journalist

• 7.12.2007, 11:34

A journalist from Homel, a member of the Belarusian Association of journalists Syarhei Padsasonny has applied to the regional prosecutor’s office with a complaint against actions of the KGB authority of Homel region.

In an interview to BelaPAN S. Padsasonny told that on November 26 he was taken to the KGB unexpectedly, right from his house. Questions he was asked concern his journalistic activities and his possible cooperation with the Polish satellite TV channel “BelSat” which is to start broadcasting for Belarus on December 10.

“It is possible that some of special services’ informers noticed me with a video camera and hurried to inform special agencies about that,” Padsasenny assumes. “Proceeding from that, KGB workers formed an opinion that I could cooperate with BelSat TV channel. But for instance, if I have a video film “Godfather”, that doesn’t mean that I am a member of Italian mafia. Moreover, as far as I know, this channel hasn’t been launched yet”.

On November 27 the journalist addressed the headship of the KGB authority in Homel region and the prosecutor’s office a complaint against actions of special services’ representatives. They took him to the KGB department by force and interrogated him.

Another incident took place on December 5 in the Central Park of Homel, where S. Padsasonny was walking with his friend. “A KGB officer who took me from home to the KGB and interrogated me on November 16, approached me all of a sudden”, the journalist told. “The man started to swear, snatch my clothes. He explained his claims saying that I allegedly was shadowing him. He threatened reprisal and wasn’t letting me go until I broke away”.

The journalist who contributes to a number of independent mass media believes that by such actions secret services’ representatives violate his rights and freedoms, in particular, freedom of travel. S. Padsasenny again asks the prosecutor’s office give a legal treatment for the actions of the KGB of Homel region.