On 6 November 2026, Belarusian authorities launched a manhunt for four female journalists. This was confirmed by Deutschlandfunk as well as Reporters Without Borders. Those affected, according to the reports, are Olga Kapustina, Alexandra Boguslawskaja, Ulyana Babayed and Katsiaryna Kryshanouskaja.
The Deutsche Welle strongly condemned the measure, calling it an attempt to criminalise independent reporting and intimidate media workers. Reporters Without Borders also criticised the move as politically motivated. According to the organisation, the measures are connected with criminal investigations in Belarus over alleged involvement in an association classified as extremist. The authorities in Minsk have not yet commented on the allegations.
Classifying journalistic content as “extremist” has for years been a key instrument of state media control in Belarus. In 2024, Deutsche Welle’s services were already branded extremist in the country, and the foreign broadcaster’s activities were banned. Media associations subsequently reported an increase in criminal proceedings, searches and pressure to leave the country against independent journalists. International observers see this as a systematic restriction of press freedom.
Under Belarusian law, those affected could face arrest warrants, criminal prosecution and entries in police databases over such allegations, with possible repercussions in neighbouring countries too. Human rights and media organisations warn that journalists in exile are particularly at risk, for example when travelling or in transit. Relatives who remain in Belarus are said to face increased pressure.
Reporters Without Borders called for the manhunt to be called off immediately and urged international solidarity. Deutsche Welle announced that it would support the colleagues affected and continue providing its audience in Belarus with information.
The case is part of a series of measures against independent media in Belarus since the protests of 2020 and 2021. Associations such as the Belarusian Association of Journalists have since reported hundreds of arrests, proceedings over alleged support for extremism and a climate of intimidation. For German institutions such as Deutsche Welle, this has immediate consequences: access to local sources is made more difficult, security risks increase, and reporting has to be organised more from exile. Diplomatic responses from Germany and the European Union are regularly considered in similar cases, with the aim of protecting journalists and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).