President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has signed the Law "On Amendments to Laws on Ensuring National Security of the Republic of Belarus".
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has signed the Law "On Amendments to Laws on Ensuring National Security of the Republic of Belarus".
The document, which was previously adopted by the House of Representatives and approved by the Council of the Republic, has been registered in the National Register of Legal Acts, indicating its signing by the Head of State, BELTA reports.
The document introduces amendments to laws regulating the activities of internal affairs bodies and a number of other law enforcement agencies and paramilitary organisations. It specifies that the activities of internal affairs bodies are public to the extent that it does not contradict the requirements of criminal procedure legislation, legislation defining the procedure for administrative proceedings, and legislation on operational-search activities.
The grounds for personal searches of citizens, searches of their belongings and vehicles are also specified. For example, such searches become possible upon detention.
The new law clarifies the conditions and limits for the use of physical force, special means, weapons, combat and special equipment. It provides that law enforcement officers are not liable for damage caused as a result of their use, if such use was carried out in accordance with the requirements of legislative acts regulating the activities of these bodies. In addition, internal affairs bodies are empowered to use combat and special equipment when suppressing mass riots.
Internal affairs officers are granted the right to prohibit citizens from conducting video recording, film and photo shooting for procedural actions, ensuring public order, personal and public safety; to conduct audio and video recording of the surrounding environment, including citizens, while performing official duties.
The main provisions of the law come into force one month after its official publication.