Security Forces Say ‘ABC-Belarus’ Declared An “Extremist Formation”

Belarus’s Interior Ministry has designated the “Anarchist Black Cross of Belarus” (ABC-Belarus) as an extremist formation, Telegram channels close to the security forces say.

The grounds cited are “organising activities to prepare for acts encroaching on the sovereignty and public security of the Republic of Belarus, as well as discrediting and insulting officials”.

“By decision of the Interior Ministry, the activities on the territory of Belarus of a group of citizens united under the name ‘Anarchist Black Cross of Belarus’ have been recognised as an extremist formation and banned across all internet platforms,” the statement said.

At the time of publication, this information was not listed in the official register maintained by the Interior Ministry.

Belarusian authorities are known to use extremism-related charges to target political opponents and dissent more broadly.