Journalist Žanna Žalevič arrested in Viciebsk

November 15, BPN. Police in Viciebsk have arrested local journalist Žanna Žalevič, the Viciebskaja Viasna human rights website reports.

Summoning her to a police department for a “conversation,” an officer told Žalevič that posts with “flags” and “writings” were spotted on her social media, the website said.

Three hours have passed since she entered the police station. She is not answering her mobile phone. Human rights activists assume that she might have been charged with unauthorized picketing, a minor offense.

Žalevič has worked for the Vitebskiy Kuryer newspaper in the past few years, mainly covering Viciebsk’s cultural events.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists says that at least 33 reporters are in prison.