Security forces add 15 to extremism list

May 5, BPN. Security forces have added 15 names to the list of people they say are involved in extremism, bringing the total count to 2,770.

These new additions include Hienadź Fiadynič, Vasil Bieraśnieŭ and Viačasłaŭ (Vacłaŭ) Areška, leaders of the the Belarusian Trade Union of Electronic Industry Workers (REP).

They were accused of seeking to undermine national security, creating an extremist group and inciting hatred. In January, a Minsk court sentenced them to eight-nine years in prison. The sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court last month.

Another new addition is doctor Alaksiej Alaksiejčyk, of a clinic whose staff opposed police brutality. He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison in February

The authorities also blacklisted Mikałaj Klimovič. Also in February, the Pinsk-based blogger was sentenced to one year in prison for insulting the head of state.