Accessibility links

Breaking News

Independent Publisher Loses Suit Against Belarusian Information Ministry


Ihar Lohvinau, owner of the private LohvinaU publishing house
Ihar Lohvinau, owner of the private LohvinaU publishing house
MINSK -- The Supreme Economic Court of Belarus has rejected a lawsuit filed by a Minsk-based independent publisher against the Information Ministry.

Ihar Lohvinau, the owner of the private LohvinaU publishing house, had demanded that the ministry's decision to withdraw his license be revoked.

Lohvinau lost his license after a court in Minsk in April declared as "extremist" a book that showcased some of the country's best photojournalism.

The book -- printed by Lohvinau's company two years ago -- consisted of photographs that won prizes in the 2011 Belarus Press Photo competition, including images of a police crackdown on people protesting against authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Some of the images were taken by photographers working for international news agencies.

Lohvinau said on November 18 that he will appeal the court's decision.
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL's Belarus Service

    RFE/RL's Belarus Service is one of the leading providers of news and analysis to Belarusian audiences in their own language. It is a bulwark against pervasive Russian propaganda and defies the government’s virtual monopoly on domestic broadcast media.

About This Blog

"Watchdog" is a blog with a singular mission -- to monitor the latest developments concerning human rights, civil society, and press freedom. We'll pay particular attention to reports concerning countries in RFE/RL's broadcast region.

Subscribe

Journalists In Trouble

RFE/RL journalists take risks, face threats, and make sacrifices every day in an effort to gather the news. Our "Journalists In Trouble" page recognizes their courage and conviction, and documents the high price that many have paid simply for doing their jobs. More

XS
SM
MD
LG