Authorities threaten to arrest protesters caught in documentary

July 25, BPN. A documentary about Belarusian protests released by a Baltic news outlet sparked a backlash from law enforcers who threatened reprisals against anyone seen in the footage.

The Russian service of the privately-owned Delfi published the film “Chronicle of Modernity” yesterday. It contained scenes of mass demonstrations and police violence that rocked Belarus after the disputed presidential election in 2020.

Editor Oleg Yerofeev told BPN that the service considered the safety of Belarusians before releasing the documentary. However, it has already been “temporarily removed” because of an outcry.

Andrej Stryžak, head of BySol Foundation that helps Belarusian protesters flee the country, said the number of requests for assistance increased significantly after the film was posted. He warned that those who recognized themselves in the film faced a high risk of prosecution for alleged disorderly conduct and advised them to “move to safety.”

The documentary was not the first media product to expose protesters to danger. In the spring of 2021, a book titled “I’m Going Out” was dedicated to the Belarusian protests. The authorities later claimed they used the book to identify protesters and charge 50 people with criminal offenses.