Belarus Declares German State Broadcaster Deutsche Welle 'Extremist,' Bans Its Activities

Belarusian authorities have declared the Belarusian service of the German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle an "extremist" organization, effectively banning all its activities within the country. Anyone working with or sharing content from Deutsche Welle's Belarusian service now faces potential legal consequences.

Belarusian authorities have escalated their crackdown on dissent by declaring the Belarusian service of the German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle an "extremist" organization. This designation effectively bans all activities of Deutsche Welle within the country and carries severe penalties for anyone associating with it.

According to the declaration, individuals producing content for Deutsche Welle's Belarusian service are now liable for seven-year prison sentences. Additionally, those found sharing or reposting articles from the broadcaster may face administrative or criminal charges.

Deutsche Welle's director general, Peter Limbourg, has condemned the decision, calling the accusations against the broadcaster "unfounded" and a misrepresentation of its work. The Belarusian service has been instrumental in providing unbiased news and information to the people of Belarus.

The labeling of Deutsche Welle as "extremist" follows a pattern of suppression of independent media by Belarusian authorities. The government has already designated 199 organizations as extremist, including the Belarusian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the independent Belarusian TV channel Belsat.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists has criticized the authorities' actions, stating that freedom of speech in Belarus is the worst in Europe. The country has been likened to a European "North Korea" under the authoritarian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Mass protests erupted in Belarus in 2020 after Lukashenko declared himself the winner of a sixth term in office in an election condemned as fraudulent by the West and the opposition. In response, authorities have arrested over 35,000 people, subjecting many to brutal beatings. Prominent opposition figures have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms, while others have fled into exile.

Deutsche Welle's Belarusian service operates from Bonn, Germany, and is funded by the German government. According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, there are currently 36 journalists imprisoned in Belarus, a stark testament to the country's suppression of free speech.

The international community has condemned the Belarusian government's crackdown on independent media and opposition voices. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Belarus and called for the release of political prisoners.

Despite the risks, Deutsche Welle remains committed to providing impartial news and information to the people of Belarus. The broadcaster's director general, Peter Limbourg, has vowed to continue supporting the outlet's Belarusian service and demand the restoration of freedom of speech in the country.