MINSK, 27 March (BelTA) – Any unauthorized public events, which interfere with people's lives, must be suppressed immediately. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko gave the relevant instructions as he met with Interior Minister Igor Shunevich on 27 March, BelTA has learned.
The head of state remarked that some citizens had decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary since the establishment of the Belarusian People's Republic (BNR) by staging unauthorized public events despite the fact that those had been expressly forbidden. “Such people cannot have it their way. Everyone has to understand that mess and disorder begin with these,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.
“Therefore don't stand gaping. Don't wait to see what statements the European Union or the U.S. Department of State will make. It is their job to make statements. We don't want to give rise to the situation Western nations have to live with now. Take a look at France, for example. Why do people have to die there?” wondered the president. “We may have an imperfect constitutional system but we must take care of security of the people. This is why any unauthorized public events, which interfere with people's lives, must be suppressed immediately. They should understand that it is not a ploy on the part of police.”
Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Belarusian citizens enjoy a sufficient amount of freedoms. “Don't ask for trouble. If you do and want to show off — primarily men do that — you'll get what's coming for you,” said the Belarusian head of state.
The president also asked the interior minister about the crime control situation in the country and about police performance so far this year. “What concerns you? Are there any issues I should get involved in?” asked Alexander Lukashenko.
The operation of investigation units was mentioned among other things. It was noted that law enforcement agencies cannot live without investigation units, this is why their work is very important. “They protect citizens and provide aid,” stated the head of state. He also added that these units also investigate grave crimes.
According to the Interior Ministry, in January-February 2018 the number of registered crimes dropped by 3% in comparison with the same period of last year. The number of extremely serious crimes dropped by 0.2%. The number of grave crimes went down by 6.2%, with the number of murders and attempts to murder down by 11.9%. The number of rapes went down by 24.1%. The number of thefts dropped by 6.9%.
Meanwhile, the number of intended severe bodily injuries resulting in the victim's death rose by 30%. The number of robberies, open thefts, vehicle hijackings, and disorderly conducts increased by 23.8%, 16.2%, 26.4%, and 5.2% respectively.
The number of crimes in public places dropped by 3.8%. The number of crimes in the countryside rose insignificantly (0.7% up).
According to the Interior Ministry, the crime situation is aggravated by the widespread abuse of alcohol. In January-February 2018 the number of crimes committed under the influence, including extremely serious crimes and grave crimes, increased by 9.7%.
