The regime has added ABC Belarus to the official list of “extremist formations.” This is yet another attempt to pressure the anarchist movement and criminalize solidarity work.
This is a part of a broader trend targeting both anarchist groups and any solidarity initiatives in Belarus. Other anarchist collectives and organizations have already been labeled “extremist,” including Pramen, Revolutionary Action, and other prisoner support initiatives such as Bysol and Dissidentby.
In Belarus, state can declare any group of people an “extremist formation.” Any interaction with such groups may then be treated as a criminal offense.
Under Belarusian law, this can include:
Participation in an extremist formation:
Any form of cooperation, even minimal assistance, can be interpreted as involvement. The maximum penalty is 7 years in prison.
Financing extremist activity:
Any donation may be treated as financing extremist activity. The maximum penalty is 8 years in prison.
Facilitating extremist activity:
This may include sending information or media materials to designated organizations, giving interviews or commentary, carrying out tasks, or providing any other form of support. The maximum penalty is 7 years in prison.
These laws are often applied retroactively.
Belarus is not unique in using accusations of “extremism” or “terrorism” against political “enemies”, similar tactics are used by governments around the world, from Minsk to Washington (i.e. the criminalization of the antifascist movement).
What does this mean in practice?
Anyone in Belarus, or planning to travel there, could face criminal prosecution for interacting with ABC Belarus. We encourage people to review their security practices if they plan to visit Belarus or Russia. If you are outside Belarus, now is the time to show solidarity and support our work by making a donation. We do not intend to change the nature of what we do. Repression is precisely what makes the work of ABC necessary so for us, the struggle continues.
Until all are free