Slav Komissarenko, one of Belarus’s most prominent stand-up comedians, has been added to the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ list of “extremists.”

How to Reports According to the publication “Zerkalo,” Komissarenko is currently wanted in Belarus. This was prompted by a court ruling in a case involving the defamation of Alexander Lukashenko.

The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ list of “extremists” is a roster of individuals, organizations, groups, and specific sites that the Belarusian authorities consider to be involved in extremist activities. Inclusion on this list has far-reaching consequences for both individuals and legal entities. Being on this list carries the risk of numerous restrictions and even persecution. For example, people who end up on this list are often subjected to detentions, criminal charges, and other forms of repression.

Belarusian authorities use the list to monitor and suppress active opposition politicians, civil society activists, independent journalists, and even ordinary citizens whose views and actions do not align with the government’s official position. Individuals and organizations on the list may face denials of visas, employment, or travel, and may also be subject to widespread restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

The list itself is part of the Belarusian regime’s policy aimed at harshly suppressing dissent and any form of protest activity. Following the protests in 2020, as well as numerous allegations of election fraud and human rights violations, the list has become an important tool for persecuting anyone who shows defiance. In recent years, the list has included not only opposition figures but also ordinary citizens who participated in peaceful demonstrations, as well as those who expressed their views online.

Some organized groups and organizations designated as extremist are subject to property confiscation and financial sanctions. All of this leads to severe persecution of those who disagree with the authorities and restricts their ability to speak freely and participate in public life.

• Slava Komissarenko is one of the most prominent and recognizable Belarusian stand-up comedians. He became known for his outspoken stance amid the events of 2020, when protests were raging across the country. Speaking out repeatedly against violence at rallies, Slava criticized election fraud and expressed his disagreement with the actions of the Belarusian authorities. Komissarenko’s sarcasm and wit were evident even in his parodies of Lukashenko, whom he called “chyk-chyrik.”
• After being banned from performing in his home country in 2021, Slava was forced to move to Russia. However, he was not left in peace there either. In 2022, under pressure from the Belarusian KGB, Komissarenko left Russia.
• In February 2022, a criminal case was opened against Slava, and on December 30, 2024, the Minsk City Court sentenced him in absentia to 6 years in prison. He was found guilty on several counts: incitement to hatred, defamation, and insulting Lukashenko.