TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Belarusian authorities on Monday declared that the Belarusian service of the German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle is an “extremist” organization and banned all its activities in the country.
The declaration means anyone working with Deutsche Welle producing content for the Belarusian service potentially faces a seven-year prison sentence. Anyone who reads and reposts articles by Deutsche Welle could be found guilty of an administrative or criminal offense.
Peter Limbourg, Deutsche Welle’s director general, criticized the decision, saying the accusations are “unfounded” and do not reflect the true nature of the Belarusian service’s work.
Belarusian authorities have already named 199 organizations as “extremist” and they use the label to suppress dissent in the country. The list includes the Belarusian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the independent Belarusian TV channel Belsat, broadcasting in the Belarusian language from the Polish capital Warsaw.
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
Eli Lilly's new ad says weight
Second murder charge laid after death of Ōpōtiki Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini
Mumps alert for travellers from India and Singapore
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
Communist Party anniversary will be the 'elephant in the room', expert says
Flushed underwear leaves council with knickers in a twist
Kaimanawa horses adoptions threatened by cost of living
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Tame Iti brings Haki Ātea to Waitangi