In the latest update to the list of “extremist materials” compiled by Belarus’ Information Ministry, the Instagram account @americacenterminsk appeared. It likely refers to American Center Minsk, which is part of the American Spaces network. This is a network of cultural and educational centers linked to the US State Department.
It is worth noting that the address of the account was listed incorrectly in the Information Ministry’s extremist materials list — the real Instagram address of American Center Minsk is @americaNcenterminsk, with the letter N.
The decision to designate the American Center Minsk account as “extremist materials” was made by the Zheleznodorozhny District Court of Homiel on April 8, 2026.
“Subject to immediate enforcement in accordance with Article 302 of the Civil Procedure Code of the Republic of Belarus”, a note to the entry in the extremist materials list states.
This was one of the last decisions made by Information Minister Marat Markau. He lost his position on April 9.
It should be recalled that Belarusian authorities use extremism-related charges to target opponents and dissent more broadly.
