Foundation for Freedom and Democracy classified as an “extremist group”

On August 15, the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs added the Polish non-governmental organization “Freedom and Democracy” to the list of “extremist groups.” Lilia Lubanevich and Matej Dantsevich were named as members of the foundation. The close attention of law enforcement agencies to this organization is due to the fact that Freedom and Democracy, among other things, advocates for human rights in Belarus.

The Polish non-governmental Foundation for Freedom and Democracy (“Wolność i demokracja”), founded 18 years ago, supports the struggle for human rights, civil liberties and freedom of expression in Belarus and other post-Soviet countries.

The impetus for the establishment of the Foundation was the closure of two independent Polish publications associated with the Union of Poles in Belarus by the Belarusian authorities in the summer of 2005. The need to publish magazines and raise funds for them led to the establishment of the Foundation.

Over time, the organization expanded its activities to other areas. Today, Freedom and Democracy cooperates with many Belarusian public and human rights organizations, independent mass media, as well as with the Belsat television channel, which it has been supporting financially for many years.

At the same time, the Foundation is committed to defending national identity and restoring the full independence of Belarus and supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

Another area of ​​activity is supporting Polish organizations in the post-Soviet countries, especially in Belarus, Ukraine and Lithuania, as well as in other countries around the world.