February 3, Pozirk. The Belarusian interior ministry labelled Budźma Biełarusami, an initiative that promotes Belarusian culture, language and education, as an “extremist” group last week, blacklisting budzma.org, all affiliated social media pages, email address, logo and PayPal account.
The ministry also named Alena Makoŭskaja and Nina Šydłoŭskaja as its members.
The project was launched in 2008 on the initiative of the World Association of Belarusians. Last year, it appealed for donations, citing a critical financial situation.
Belarusian authorities labelled Budźma’s website and social media pages as “extremist” content three years ago.
The official register of extremist groups now has 331 entries. Following the crackdown on the 2020 postelection protests, authorities in Belarus have been equating criticism, solidarity, advocacy, free media and free expression to extremism and terrorism.
Association with an extremist group carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
