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. |
Police investigating shotgun attack on rugby team's van in Hawke's BayFive arrested in Taupō on Tuesday after group brawl at Richmond shopsCentre that 'put Whangārei on the map' faces financial shortfallMan charged with murder of Hori GageCentre that 'put Whangārei on the map' faces financial shortfallMajor bridge in Baltimore, US collapses after being struck by cargo shipPeople turning up drunk at emergency departments increasingly olderTexas: Diversity, equity and inclusion ban has led to more than 100 job cuts at state universitiesBoy, 6, reported missing in south Auckland found safeUpgrades begin on State Highway 6 Frankton intersection