Interior ministry adds RFE/RL journalist to list of extremists

September 9, BPN. Belarus has included a RFE/RL contributor in its highly controversial list of individuals involved in extremist activity.

The interior ministry has added Andrej Kuzniečyk, a 43-year old reporter, to its blacklist along with Jaŭhien Lulkovič, 28; Alaksandr Kurhanski, 38; Alaksej Majeŭski, 40; and Dźianis Hrachanaŭ, 44.

Majeŭski and Kurhanaŭ are also on the list of individuals involved in terrorist activities.

The interior ministry has never published any criteria that it uses for branding people “individuals involved in extremist activity.” The list basically features people who criticize authoritarian leader Alaksandr Łukašenka and stick to their views despite torture and threats of longer imprisonment.

Prisoners labeled extremists are prohibited from taking teaching, publishing and civil service jobs for five years after the completion of their sentences. They remain under financial scrutiny upon release.