Journalist Darja Čulcova freed from prison

September 3, BPN. Belsat TV journalist Darja Čulcova has been released from prison after serving her sentence, Novy Čas reported on September 3.

Camerawoman Darja Čulcova and a fellow reporter, Kaciaryna Andrejeva (Bachvałava), were arrested on November 15, 2020 as they broadcast live a police crackdown on protesters who gathered in a residential courtyard in Minsk, the so-called Plošča Pieramien (Square of Change), to pay tribute to murdered activist Raman Bandarenka.

On February 18, 2021 a district court in Minsk convicted the reporters of organization of actions grossly disturbing public order, and sentenced them to two years in prison.

Belarusian human rights activists recognized them as political prisoners.

On July 13, 2022 the Homiel Regional Court sentenced Andrejeva to eight years in prison, finding her guilty of high treason. Her ultimate term of eight years  and three months.

The Supreme Court is to hear Andrejeva’s appeal on September 20.