Culture initiative branded “extremist” group, prominent musician feared arrested

December 22, Pozirk. The Committee for State Security (KGB) branded the Da Zoraŭ culture initiative as an “extremist” group, according to the interior ministry’s website.
The KGB listed Aleś Čumakoŭ of the medieval music band Stary Olsa and Siamion Małašankaŭ as members. The extremist designation also covers the initiative’s Instagram page.
Čumakoŭ is likely under arrest, according to a report by Naša Niva. The Viasna Human Rights Center said that arrests linked to the Da Zoraŭ initiative took place in late November but could not confirm any names.
Belarusian authorities routinely use extremism designations to silence critical voices after the disputed 2020 presidential election. Association with an extremist group carries a penalty of two to seven years in prison.
Interior ministry brands former Kalinoŭski fighter, 31 others as extremists
- PoliticsReprisals: two women convicted of extremismThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyProduction of animal feeds, supplements to be limited to authorized companiesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja to address Canadian MPsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsPolitical activist Biełavus transferred to Mahiloŭ prisonThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsForeign minister to open consulate in AstanaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Society
- Security, SocietyIAEA to inspect nuclear facility near MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyBelarus’ police make threats of expulsion against dissidentsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Sport
- PoliticsKGB brands education initiative as extremist groupThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsŁukašenka notes “traditions of beneficial cooperation” after Magyar wins Hungary’s electionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyLatvia reports surge in irregular crossings via Belarus since April 2The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- PoliticsOpposition leader stands with Poland on Katyn Remembrance DayThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus posts 2 percent in industrial price growth in January-MarchThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyEDB sees inflation slowdown in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Politics, SecurityHomiel hospitals treat former Russian POWsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Politics, SocietyRights group confirms 184 arrests in Biełaruski Hajun caseThe material is available only to POZIRK+


