Фото: Boris Geilert/DW
Deutsche Welle Director General Barbara Massing has condemned the search for four female journalists from Belarus who work for the media organisation. She described the Belarusian authorities’ actions as an attempt to criminalise independent journalism and intimidate journalists. This is stated in a statement by Deutsche Welle.
“This is an unacceptable attempt to criminalise independent journalism and intimidate journalists for doing their jobs,” Massing said. She expressed her support for her colleagues and stressed that Deutsche Welle would continue providing audiences in Belarus with independent and reliable information.
The journalists concerned are Olga Kapustina, Alexandra Boguslawskaja, Ulyana Babayed and Katsiaryna Kryzhanouskaya. According to DW, all four are wanted in Belarus and Russia.
DW reports that the search in Belarus is believed to be linked to criminal cases involving participation in an “extremist formation”. As Reform.news previously reported, Belarusian security services may initiate the inclusion of people they are seeking in Russia’s wanted database.
In April 2024, the Belarusian Interior Ministry designated as an “extremist formation” a group of creators, administrators and other contributors to the DW Belarus online platforms. The ministry’s list included the project’s website, its social media pages, and its YouTube and messaging channels.
It should be recalled that the regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka uses extremism charges to target political opponents and dissent in general.