Former journalist Tołčyn pardoned, released

September 18, Pozirk. Former journalist Andrej Tołčyn was pardoned and released on Tuesday, Anatol Labiedźka, constitutional reform adviser to opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, has told Pozirk.

Tołčyn, the founder of the Homiel newspaper Homielskija Viedamaści, cooperated with several other media outlets and was arrested on multiple occasions while doing his journalistic work. He left the profession after the 2020 protests.

Tołčyn was arrested a year ago and given two and a half years in prison on extremism-related charges in March. Authorities also blacklisted him as an extremist.

Human rights groups considered him a political prisoner.

Also read: Former journalist Tołčyn sentenced to 2.5 years in prison – report