March 13, 2022
1 min read

Wikipedia editor booked for “distributing anti-Russian information”

A video of Bernstein’s arrest was also posted, along with his photo and personal details….reports Asian Lite News

 Prominent Wikipedia editor Mark Bernstein has been detained in Belarus for editing Wikipedia articles about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption of Belarus (GUBOPiK) has arrested Bernstein, according to Belarusian publication Zerkalo.

The Verge reported that Bernstein’s social media accounts, Wikipedia handle and place of work had been shared in GUBOPik’s channel on Telegram messaging app.

A video of Bernstein’s arrest was also posted, along with his photo and personal details.

In the photo, Bernstein is accused of “distributing fake anti-Russian information”.

Bernstein is one of the top 50 editors of Russian Wikipedia.

A Wikimedia Foundation spokesperson said: “The Foundation’s Trust and Safety and Human Rights teams have been monitoring the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

“We are in close touch with our communities in the region to ensure their safety and respond to their needs.”

In the Russian Wikipedia channel on Telegram, users in Belarus and Russia were also advised to hide personal data and to only edit articles about the war from other accounts, according to reports.

Belarus has offered logistical support throughout the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that punishes people spreading “fake news” with up to 15 years in prison.

A Wikimedia Foundation spokesperson said the group was watching the situation closely.

“The Foundation’s Trust and Safety and Human Rights teams have been monitoring the ongoing crisis in Ukraine,” the spokesperson said, adding “are in close touch with our communities in the region to ensure their safety and respond to their needs”.

ALSO READ: Foreign ideology must not be imposed on Afghans: Taliban

Previous Story

Foreign ideology must not be imposed on Afghans: Taliban

Next Story

Google suspends Play Store subscriptions in Russia

Latest from -Top News

ADNOC signs 15-year LNG deal with Indian Oil

Under the deal, LNG cargoes can be delivered to any port across India, enhancing the country’s energy security and meeting its rising energy demand. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has signed

Pakistan’s Economy Held Hostage by Military

Despite the crisis-ridden economy merely managing to survive on IMF loans, the military seems to be facing no constraints on its spending spree on weapons such as tanks and planes….reports Asian Lite

Xi to Personally Welcome Modi, Putin   

Analysts suggest that Xi is intent on using the Tianjin summit to showcase an emerging multipolar world order, distinct from Western-led institutions Chinese President Xi Jinping will personally welcome Prime Minister Narendra

‘Ukraine Banks On India For Peace’

Zelensky says Kyiv was relying on “India’s contribution” to bring the conflict to a close, emphasising that New Delhi’s long-standing commitment to peace and dialogue gave it a unique role in global
Go toTop