Working for human rights in Belarus: Freedom and Democracy Foundation recognized as "extremist formation"

On August 15, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus included the Polish non-governmental Freedom and Democracy Foundation in the list of "extremist formations". Lilia Lubanevich and Matej Dantsevich were named as involved in the fund. Such close attention of law enforcement agencies to this organization is due to the fact that Freedom and Democracy, among other things, works for the benefit of human rights in Belarus.

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

The closure of two independent Polish publications associated with the Union of Poles in Belarus by the Belarusian authorities in the summer of 2005 was the impetus for establishing the foundation. The need to publish magazines and raise funds for this purpose led to the creation of the foundation.

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

At the same time, the foundation is engaged in the defense of national identity and restoration of full independence of Belarus and supports Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

Another area of activity is the support of Polish organizations in the post-Soviet countries, mainly in Belarus, Ukraine and Lithuania, as well as in other countries of the world.