Trial Of RFE/RL Reporter Due To Start In Belarus

Mikhal Karnevich

HRODNA, Belarus -- The trial of an RFE/RL correspondent and three co-defendants is expected to open in Belarus on November 25.

Mikhal Karnevich, rights activist Uladzimer Khilmanovich, and two activists of the opposition United Civic Party, Ezhy Hryhencha and Vital Lopasau, are suspected of taking part in an unsanctioned public gathering on October 26.

The judge in the western Belarusian city of Hrodna on November 24 postposed the start of the trial by one day because of what she said was her busy agenda.

Karnevich says that on October 26 he was doing his job as a journalist, covering the public gathering in the southwestern town of Svislach -- a commemoration of Kastus Kalinovski, a 19th-century Belarusian journalist and political activist.

Karnevich has been charged with violating legislation on public gatherings in the past.