MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) – The Internal Affairs Ministry sees a low number of attempts to stage protests against the referendum on amending Belarus' Constitution, BelTA learned from the ministry's website, which quotes Chief of the Mass Events Department of the Law Enforcement Office of the Belarusian Internal Affairs Ministry Vladimir Stanilevich.
The official said: “We see few attempts to stage protest actions, to demonstrate unregistered symbols, write various inscriptions on buildings, and put up leaflets against the referendum. Let me remind you once again that unlawful actions that infringe upon rights and freedoms of citizens entail prosecution in accordance with the legislation.”
Vladimir Stanilevich noted that as of 21 February police personnel have been deployed at all the polling stations 24/7 and provide assistance to polling station commissions. A sufficient number of police personnel are available at every polling station. Representatives of veteran organizations, members of the Belarusian republican youth union BRSM, and volunteers have been employed.
Fast response teams stand by in anticipation of possible complications of the current situation. CCTV cameras are also used. Personnel reserves are available in every law enforcement unit. “The forces and assets are sufficient. Law infringements and provocations, which may occur at polling stations and in the surrounding territory, will be suppressed promptly,” the official assured.
The Internal Affairs Ministry representative reminded that during the referendum campaign voter signatures do not have to be collected and canvassing events do not have to be organized by giving a notice. All the events are organized in line with the legislation on mass events. In order to organize a rally or a picket, citizens need permission from a local municipal authority. Violations of the procedure regulating the organization of rallies and pickets are treated as violations of article 24.23 of the Administrative Offences Code. The guilty can be punished with a fine of up to 200 base amounts or administrative arrest of up to 15 days. Repeated offenders can be arrested for up to 30 days.
Vladimir Stanilevich concluded: “On the whole, law enforcement agencies take adequate measures to protect law and order. They enable safe conditions for the organization of the nationwide referendum.”
