Activist condemns youth union’s extremist designation
Marharyta Vorychava
September 23, Pozirk. The Committee for State Security has branded the RADA Belarusian National Youth Council an extremist group, banning its activities in Belarus.
“This is a direct attack on the democratic foundations of our society and an attempt to suppress the active civic position of young people,” RADA Chairwoman Marharyta Vorychava has said.
The extremist designation is an attempt to “silence the voice of youth, destroy civil society and establish control over the political life of the country,” she noted.
Founded back in 1992, RADA represents 41 Belarusian youth organizations and initiatives.
It was outlawed in Belarus along with hundreds of other NGOs following the crackdown on civil society in the last few years.
At least 1,777 NGOs dissolved since August 2020
September 9, Pozirk. At least 1,777 NGOs, including associations, trade unions and foundations, were dissolved between the 2020 presidential election and late August 2024, Lawtrend said in a report. The figure was 1,509 at the end of December 2023 and …