The President explained how a range of issues would require a determined and confident response, which may occasionally be a struggle.

Everyone must agree that security always comes first

The President explained how a range of issues would require a determined and confident response, which may occasionally be a struggle. The law enforcement agencies have had to increase their efforts to suppress and prevent the spread of drug abuse, to drastically reinforce the fight against robbery and to improve the criminal situation in rural areas. Mr. Lukashenko emphasised that the Interior Ministry has to give priority to the protection of children and elderly people. Counteracting economic crimes is also one of the priorities, with the Head of Stating noting that he would like to see more active work in this direction from the Ministry. He urged them to continue with their positive actions to recruit appropriate and efficient staff and to reward those who work hard for the department and demonstrate loyalty.


At the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee’s Interior Ministry Department

Mr. Lukashenko also stressed that police should have an uncompromising approach to offenders. He hopes to improve discipline within the law enforcement bodies saying, “You should be incorruptible, beyond doubt. Police are the core of the society. By your actions people judge the government in general.” Mr. Lukashenko said that the state will continue to prioritise crime prevention, as well as to protect the rights and legal interests of all. “Whilst I have immense respect and support for law enforcement agencies, my expectations of them will be always very high,” he noted.

The President reported that a considerable number of crimes in Belarus are by people under the influence of alcohol. Society and state bodies have discussed the situation and taken measures to restrict the sale of alcoholic produce during particular hours and at a range of trade outlets. The Head of State is however, doubtful that such measures will offer the most effective response to the problem. “I’d like to see an exact answer in more detail on the how, when and where these measures will be implemented, as well as other options available.”

He also reminded us that the work of the police enables us to provide a good level of public security in our country. Mr. Lukashenko added that this is proven by the results of the work of all Interior Ministry’s structures in 2015. “You control difficult situations with confidence. You’re able to prevent the escalation of the criminal situation and to protect the society and each citizen from any infringements.”

Mr. Lukashenko brought the data of the independent sociological poll to our attention. According to it, almost 80 percent of citizens expressed confidence in their security. The President believes that this testifies to the fact that people appreciate the work of the police. He called on the relevant departments to take the strictest measures regarding those who cause crime when drunk and, especially, when people die because of their actions. “Once a person has had a drink they should be wary of even going near a car. Too many deaths are caused as a result.”

Mr. Lukashenko supports the proposals of the Interior Ministry to liberalise criminal penalties regarding a range of minor offences yet urges caution. He was reported as saying that stepping up efforts to prevent hooliganism was the main reason for the increase in the crime rate. Certain agencies qualify improperly parked cars and other property as criminal offences. “It’s good that you’ve harmonised general approaches to the qualification of such actions and developed unified methods in this area at the level of all law enforcement bodies. Now you must consider reducing the crime rate by decriminalising certain offences,” said the Head of State.

Mr. Lukashenko urged those present at the meeting to analyse all innovations and inform him of their conclusions. “We cannot ease the pressure on criminals because it can lead to the growth of crime rate,” he said.

Mr. Lukashenko asserted that perseverance and balanced approaches to the fight against the spread of drugs has helped to make a difference in a number of areas. “We’ve managed to prevent the distribution of spice and saved many young lives. Now you can strike a severe blow against the distributors of these dangerous substances and effectively close the channels of supplies to Belarus,” said the Head of State. “The changes in the conditions of punishment for drug dealers prevented an increase in the number of addicts. At legislative level, we have built a comprehensive system and strengthened the powers of all public bodies and other organisations in this field.”


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Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the state will continue to prioritise crime prevention, as well as to protect the rights and legal interests of all. “Whilst I have immense respect and support for law enforcement agencies, my expectations of them will be always very high,” he noted.


By Vladimir Khromov

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