The Vitebsk region police urge to refrain from participating in unsanctioned rallies

In destructive Telegram channels and chats, there has been recent discussion about holding unsanctioned events in the Vitebsk region. The internal affairs bodies are receiving information that organizers of such events are calling on citizens to engage in aggressive behavior towards law enforcement officers ensuring public order. The provocateurs aim to instigate clashes between rally participants and police officers.


This information is also confirmed by the detentions of active supporters of protest actions.

For instance, on the night of March 23-24, a 34-year-old resident of Vitebsk was detained. During a search, smoke bombs, dummy grenades, pyrotechnics, and homemade metal hedgehogs for stopping transport were found in his possession.

The Internal Affairs Department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee reminds that violation of the order of organization and holding of mass events can lead to both administrative and criminal liability.

Specifically, the sanctions of Article 24.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus, which came into effect on March 1, 2021, provide for a fine of up to 200 base units or administrative arrest for citizens, and a fine of up to 500 base units for legal entities that organized the event.

Criminal liability for organizing mass riots, participating in them, or preparing for them is provided for by Article 293 of the Criminal Code. The aforementioned socially dangerous acts are punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years.

In addition to criminal and administrative liability, the law stipulates that anyone who caused harm to citizens and organizations during mass events is obliged to compensate for it.

Employees of the internal affairs bodies of the Vitebsk region are ready to ensure public order on the streets of cities. Illegal actions will be suppressed immediately.

The Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee urges citizens to refrain from participating in unauthorized events. In this situation, the risk of provocations by their organizers and active participants aimed at disrupting public order increases.

Website of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. Photo from the archive of BELTA.