Convicted anarchists added to extremist list

August 30, BPN. Convicted anarchists Alaksandr Białoŭ, Jaŭhien Rubaška, Arciom Dźmitryjevič Sałaviej and Arciom Siarhiejevič Sałaviej have been included in the list of “citizens involved in extremist activities” on the interior ministry’s website.

At the moment, the list includes 469 people.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs says blacklisted nationals are prohibited from “engaging in activities to traffic narcotic drugs, weapons or explosives, in pedagogical or publishing activities,” as well as from “holding public offices or serving in the military.”

Financial transactions of those on the list “are subject to special control in order to prevent the legalization of proceeds from crime and the financing of extremist activities.”

Blacklisted foreigners can be denied visas or entry.

On April 22, the Minsk Regional Court sentenced Alaksandr Białoŭ, Jaŭhien Rubaška and Arciom Dźmitryjevič Sałaviej to five years in prison. Arciom Siarhiejevič Sałaviej was given four-and-a-half years in prison.

Judge Alena Miśnik found them guilty of organization of/active participation in group actions grossly disturbing public order, and of creation of/participation in an extremist formation.

The anarchists were tried behind closed doors, and details of their case have notbeen made public. A Supreme Court session chaired by Juryj Rutkoŭski upheld the verdict on July 12.

Arciom Dźmitryjevič Sałaviej was arrested on August 4, 2021, and beaten by police officers. After 15 days of arrest for disorderly conduct, he was detained as a suspect in the criminal case.

Arciom Siarhiejevič Sałaviej was also detained on August 4, 2021.

Rubaška and Białoŭ were arrested on July 29, 2021, in Minsk. Their apartments were searched, and they were beaten during the arrest.

Human rights activists say their persecution is politically motivated.