42 Belarus Press Photo 2011 Albums Seized for Examination
The photo albums were confiscated at Lithuanian–Belarusian border.
Belarus Press Photo 2011 photo album. On cover: photo by Nasha Niva photo correspondent Siarhiej Hudzilin who won Belarus Press Photo grand prix in 2011
Julia Darashkievich, photographer and organiser of Belarus Press Photo contest reported that 42 albums Belarus Press Photo 2011 were seized at Belarusian–Lithuanian border for an examination, RFE/RL informs.
“Customs officers saw photos in the albums and decided to verify if there were some information that may harm Belarusian state,” Darashkievich says.
Julija Darashkievich says the albums were issued completely legally and all duties have already been paid [furthermore, these albums have been on sale in some Belarusian shops for a year already — NN].
“We keep some of them abroad as we often exhibit Belarus Press Photo abroad,” Darashkievich explains.
Belarus Press Photo albums were seized to undergo an examination two years ago. The albums were returned in a month then.
Belarus Press Photo is an open and independent annual press photography contest.