This article is also available in:
Deutsch: Weißrussland: Journalist wegen Berichts über Sicherheitsmängel in d...

Several Belarusian journalists have been lately arrested for having shown flows in the security system of Belarus. The latest arrest, on 25 July 2012, was that of Vital Ruhayn on charges of hooliganism and obscene language in public. In fact, he became infamous for publishing a video online showing a lack of security on the Minsk subway although it was the target of a deadly bombing in April 2011.

The video was clearly showing the journalist carrying a large bag into the Minsk metro and following the same route as the 2011 bomber - the police did not react in any way. Although the court released Ruhayn, he is still under prosecution and the hearing was only postponed for five days in order to allow the police to correct the inconsistencies in their testimonies and written reports.

“Vital Ruhayn’s arrest is indicative of the regime’s sensitivities about matters related – closely or otherwise – to the Minsk bombing and national security. A journalist should not be arrested for highlighting police violations of security regulations. We call for the withdrawal of the trumped-up charges brought against him,” was the reaction of Reporters Without Borders.

Also, in June, ERB reporter Pavel Svyardlow was arrested on similar obscene language charges, and was given a 15-day jail sentence and on 13 July journalist Anton Surapin was arrested for having posting on the Internet photos of the action of a Swedish advertising agency of 4 July - the agency people flew a light aircraft into the Belarusian airspace dropping hundreds of teddy-bears with messages supporting free speech in Belarus. Surapin is still held by the Committee for State Security on the charge of helping foreigners to cross the border illegally and is facing a three to seven years prison sentence.

Journalist facing jail sentence for exposing Minsk metro security flaws (27.07.2012)
http://en.rsf.org/belarus-journalist-facing-jail-sentence-28-07-2012,4...

Ruhain's case to be revised due to witnesses' confusion (26.07.2012)
http://euroradio.fm/en/report/ruhains-case-be-revised-due-witnesses-co...

Euroradio journalist Vital Ruhain is released (26.07.2012)
http://euroradio.fm/en/report/euroradio-journalist-vital-ruhain-spend-...