Prominent Hrodna-based journalist arrested

August 31, BPN. Police have arrested Pavieł Mažejka, journalist and head of the Hrodna-based urban civil society organization, Centr Haradskoha Žyćcia, a local Telegram channel reported.

In March 2021, he was arrested together with artist Aleś Puškin, who was later sentenced to five years in prison on charges of inciting hatred and desecrating state symbols. Mažejka was released after spending 72 hours in custody.

In May 2022, his Centr Haradskoha Žyćcia was shut down at the request of the Hrodna Prosecutor’s Office.

Mažejka is an experienced journalists who has worked for major media organization, including Belsat TV, a Warsaw-based TV channel currently targeted by Minsk as an extremist group. He began his career in the Hrodna-based newspaper Pahonia, which was shut down for criticism of the government. He served a “restricted freedom” term from 2002 to 2004 for allegedly defaming the Belarusian ruler.

Hrodna.life has reported that police raided his home on August 30 and detained him for 72 hours for unknown reason.