Affiliated media: Radio 97, Online radio station

Incident date: May 27, 2025

Attack type:

• Selective application of repressive laws

Who attacked: Authorities

Source: Belarusian Association of Journalists

Location: Belarus, Minsk

Additional information:

The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs has designated the independent Belarusian internet radio station Radio 97 as an “extremist organisation”. The ministry’s decision also lists all internet resources affiliated with the media project. Maksim Vitalyevich Tikhenya and Olga Dmitrievna Tesakova are specifically named as persons directly involved in “extremist activities”. Under Belarusian law, any interaction with resources designated as extremist organisations may result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment of up to ten years for participation in an extremist organisation or for assisting an extremist organisation (Articles 361-1 and 361-4 of the Criminal Code).