Belarus Police authorized to use lethal weapons against protesters as clashes intensify

Belarusian government has authorised police to use lethal weapons if necessary against anti-government protesters amid nationwide demonstrations. interior ministry confirmed use of stun grenes and tear gas during a rally in national capital where a large number of pension- protesters were present.

First Deputy Interior Minister Genny Kazakevich said in a video statement that protesters h “become organised and extremely rical.” He stated that started with hurling stones and bottles and went on to wield knives, claiming that law enforcement ncies were confronted by “groups of militants, ricals, anarchists and football hooligans.”

"On behalf of interior ministry, I say that we will t leave streets and will guarantee law in country. Law enforcement personnel and interior troops will use special equipment and lethal weapons if need be," said Kazakevich.

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Sanctions on officials

Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg released a statement on October 12, saying European Council has alrey imposed sanctions against persons responsible for “fraudulent nature” of presidential elections and violent crackdown on peaceful protests. y said that EU is rey to take furr restrictive measures against entities and high-ranking officials, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

European Council said that it has decided to review EU’s relations with Belarus which include scaling down bilateral cooperation with Belarusian authorities at central level and increase EU’s support to Belarusian people and civil society. It will also recalibrate bilateral financial EU assistance to Belarus by directing it to maximum possible extent away from central authorities.

Earlier in October, United States imposed sanctions on eight Belarusian officials for ir alleged role in falsifying results of Presidential elections and violent crackdown on protesters. US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated those individuals following EU sanctions on 40 people, including interior minister and he of election commission.

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