Police blacklist 28 over alleged extremist activities

February 10, BPN. The Belarusian interior ministry has blacklisted 28 more people as extremists, taking their total to 2,416 persons.

New additions include people convicted in politically-motivated cases, among them trade unionist Jana Małaš and United Civic Party (UCP) members Artur Smalakoŭ, Dzijana Čarnušyna and Andrej Asmałoŭski.

Authorities sentenced Čarnušyna and her partner Asmałoŭski to two and three years in prison, respectively, for alleged participation in anti-government protests. Čarnušyna has a child with a disability.

The updated list of extremists also includes sisters Inha and Karyna Rejndolf, sentenced to two years of restricted freedom in home confinement on similar charges.

Authorities also blacklisted singer Meryjem Hierasimienka, sentenced to three years of restricted freedom in home confinement for performing a pro-Ukraine song at a Minsk bar in August 2022.

Security forces portray opposition activists as extremists or terrorists as part of their relentless campaign of terror.