The socio-political situation in the region, security measures, and the functioning of the real economy sector. These and many other topics were key at the meeting held on August 17 at the regional executive committee between the leadership of the region, the city of Vitebsk, and law enforcement agencies of the region with representatives of civil society.
The socio-political situation in the region, security measures, and the functioning of the real economy sector. These and many other topics were key at the meeting held on
August 17 at the regional executive committee between the leadership of the region, the city of Vitebsk, and law enforcement agencies of the region with representatives of civil society.
Everyone has their own view of the situation in the country and how they want to see it. The most effective way to convey public opinion to the authorities is not a street conversation, but a round-table discussion. The participants of the current meeting followed this principle. The serious tone of the conversation was determined by societal unrest and the heated information background, which permeated the theses of the citizens in one way or another.
The main thing united everyone present – preventing the destabilization of the peaceful situation in the state. It would seem, who could be disturbed by people's lives in a safe, independent country? Nevertheless, such forces exist. Therefore, one of the first questions addressed to the authorities concerned the public safety measures applied during and after the electoral campaign. The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, immediately noted the justification of these steps. Serious provocations were being prepared. Thanks to the coordinated work of law enforcement officers, it was possible to thwart the provocateurs' attempts to destabilize the situation in the region. Satisfaction was expressed with the behaviour of Vitebsk residents, who during protest actions did not commit acts that disorganized the normal operation of life support facilities and infrastructure.
According to the Head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Regional Executive Committee, Mikhail Grib, control over the operational situation, law and order, and public safety is currently being maintained.
Facts for the Region:
· In the first days, 700 people were taken to internal affairs bodies from the territories of alleged unauthorized events for investigation.
· Currently, all citizens held in temporary detention facilities have been released.
· Three criminal cases have been initiated for organizing mass riots involving violence against law enforcement officers in Polotsk and Novopolotsk.
Despite this, citizens expressed discontent towards the security forces regarding instances of violence and abuse of power against detainees during unsanctioned rallies. Mikhail Vyacheslavovich explained: law enforcement officers had previously warned people about the inadmissibility of such events and participation in them, therefore, when suppressing public order violations, police officers aimed for the most adequate use of force. However, the head of the Vitebsk police does not deny instances of unjustified brutality, for which he has apologized to the detainees and citizens who suffered as a result of the use of physical force and special means. Law enforcement officers are conducting an investigation into each of these episodes, after which a legal assessment will be given.
Information on unlawful (violent) actions during peaceful protests can be reported to the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's "hotline" at (8-0212) 33-61-63 (from 8:00 to 17:00 on working days).
Among the issues raised was the topic of strikes. Nikolai Nikolaevich is adamant: such actions work against the interests of work collectives. Now, when some are emotionally charged, it is easy to lose everything. And it is precisely on such feelings that those who actually pursue destructive goals try to play. And what will happen when the emotions subside? The scenario for the development of such events, the head of the region is convinced, is the same for everyone: in an instant, one can thoughtlessly lose what has been painstakingly built up over years. This means the shutdown of organizations, enterprises, loss of jobs and salaries... After all, most economic entities have obligations not only to domestic but also to foreign partners, and their non-fulfillment threatens not only loss of business reputation but also economic collapse. Undoubtedly, strikes and calls for them are one of the tools for inciting aggression and protest sentiments, predominantly spread through social networks and Telegram channels. Through them, the technique of leveling is also used, reflected in the consciousness of internet users, of what has been achieved over the years of the country's independence. That is why, during the dialogue, some representatives of civil society directly or indirectly showed a lack of full understanding of the socio-economic processes taking place in the region. And indeed, a lot has been done, it is impossible to count everything. Every year, the region is augmented with new modern hospitals, kindergartens, schools, gyms, swimming pools, and stadiums. Work is being carried out to put things in order on the land, improve settlements, and enhance the quality of people's lives.
The authorities are not against evolutionary changes, but not street protests and without disruptions. People are already tired of social unrest, fueled by an endless stream of information on various internet platforms. Everyone wants to live peacefully, work, provide for themselves and their families, and be confident in the safety of their children. The main thing is not to spoil what good we have in our pursuit of the better.
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The participants of the dialogue agreed that feedback in such a format is beneficial for all parties. Nikolai Sherstnev supported the proposal for systematically holding such meetings, provided they are conducted constructively and for the benefit of society.
Most questions have been answered immediately; a more thorough review and verification of others will take time. All questions raised during the meeting will be published on the websites of local executive and administrative bodies in the near future.
Official website of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.