Belarusian magazine editor decides to stay abroad
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 November 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Belarusian magazine editor decides to stay abroad, 13 November 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50b4d0c1a.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 13, 2012
By RFE/RL's Belarus Service
Belarusian publisher and editor Valer Bulhakau
MINSK – The chief editor of an independent magazine in Belarus says he is currently abroad and fearing for his safety.
Valer Bulhakau, who works for "ARCHE" magazine, told RFE/RL on November 13 that he decided not to return to Belarus after a state-run television channel broadcast two long reports calling his recent book on World War II "potentially extremist."
Last month, Bulhakau was fined for "illegal business operations."
Bulhakau says the Financial Police launched investigations into his magazine's economic activities, which he says could be an attempt to legitimize his politically motivated arrest.
Bulhakau did not reveal his current location.
Last week, Belarusian opposition activist Alyaksandr Atrashchankau refused to return to Belarus from Poland fearing for his safety.
In late October, former presidential candidate Andrey Sannikau received political asylum in Britain.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
