Watchdog

ASTANA -- A court in Astana has sentenced a journalist to 15 days in jail for taking part in an unsanctioned protest.

Berik Zhaghyparov's lawyer told RFE/RL that her client was sentenced late on May 23.

Zhaghyparov pleaded not guilty, saying he was at the protest as an independent journalist to cover the event.

Police detained Zhaghyparov along with several demonstrators.

The protests began on May 21 when dozens of homeowners from around Kazakhstan demonstrated in front of the government and parliament buildings in Astana.

They demanded the government intervene over what they say are excessive mortgage interest rates and frequent foreclosures.

Two organizers of the protest were sentenced to several days in jail and two demonstrators were fined for their actions.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has rescinded his decision to bar 10 journalists from covering cabinet meetings.

Earlier, about 100 journalists demonstrated in front of the Ukrainian government building on May 23, protesting Azarov's order to withdraw press accreditations.

On May 22, the 10 journalists stepped in front of television cameras at a cabinet session and turned their backs on the ministers.

The reporters were protesting an earlier attack on two journalists in Kyiv, a husband and wife.

The journalists had signs pinned to their backs that read, "Today, it's a female journalist [beaten up], tomorrow-- your wife, sister, daughter. Do something!"

Azarov met on May 23 with the protesting journalists and urged them to "act professionally," warning that accreditations will be canceled if a similar situation happens again.

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax