03:41, 10 December 2013

Rally against harassment of journalists scheduled in Rostov-on-Don

As reported by a civil activist Maria Polyanichko, on December 21, a rally against the harassment of journalists and for the freedom of expression is planned in the city of Rostov-on-Don.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the criminal trial of the Rostov journalist and publisher Alexander Tolmachov, and the verdict passed on November 26 to the Rostov journalist Sergey Reznik have pushed civil activists to organize a rally for the freedom of speech.

Ms Polyanichko, one of the organizers, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the city administration had sanctioned the rally on December 21 in Theatre Square.

"On December 21, we'll stand against criminal prosecution of journalists, like it was the case with Sergey Reznik, arrested for false accusation and bribery; or with Alexander Tolmachov, accused of extortion; it is unclear for what reason the journalist Sergey Azarov from the city of Belaya Kalitva is figuring as a witness in a criminal case under the article of slander, and so on. We'll go out into the square to raise voices for the freedom of speech," said Maria Polyanichko, and added that up to 150 people have been applied for as the planned audience of the rally.

Author: Olesya Dianova

Source: CK correspondent