Citizens obstructing the normal operation of border crossing points will be restricted from entry - State Border Committee
13/06/20110 views
13 June, Minsk /Vasily Malashenkov - BELTA/. Individuals who obstruct the normal operation of border crossing points and impede transit traffic at the border will face not only administrative liability. This was announced to journalists today by the press secretary of the State Border Committee of Belarus, Alexander Tishchenko, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The representative of the border agency explained that the exit abroad of these citizens will be restricted. He stated that on June 12, at the Belarusian-Polish border crossing point "Bruzdzy", traffic was blocked from 18:30 to 21:00 as a result of an unauthorized action. Approximately 300 people obstructed traffic from Belarus to Poland. In this area, there were 40 passenger cars (some without license plates) belonging to the aforementioned individuals. Fifteen participants of the action were detained, and the identities of over 100 other participants and organizers were established.
Alexander Tishchenko emphasized that active shuttle traders were involved in the unauthorized action. While checking their databases, border guards are uncovering egregious facts concerning these individuals. For example, it was established that one married couple crossed the border 15 times on June 11 through the "Bruzdzy" border crossing point in five different cars. "It is clear that these individuals are illegally importing or exporting goods," noted the representative of the State Border Committee. He added that 60% of such individuals are unemployed. There is data indicating that each of these individuals owns several good cars, as well as comfortable cottages – it is impossible to call them poor.
As reported to BELTA by the information service of the Grodno Regional Prosecutor's Office, in order to clear the road for vehicle passage, law enforcement officers moved citizens away from the roadway. At 21:00, the movement of vehicles was resumed. "The Prosecutor of Grodno District, who witnessed the picket, recognized the actions of the police officers in unblocking the roadway near the border crossing point as lawful and adequate to the situation," the prosecutor's office noted.
Administrative protocols have been drawn up against 14 active participants of the picket who disobeyed police officers, under Articles 23.34 (violation of the procedure for organizing or holding a mass event or picket) and 23.4 (disobedience to a lawful order or demand of an official while performing their official duties) of the Code of Administrative Offences of Belarus.
The Prosecutor's Office of Grodno District is conducting a check for the presence or absence of criminal offense elements in the actions of the instigators of an unauthorized picket.
According to Alexander Tishchenko, after the adoption of the government resolution on restricting the export of fuel and certain goods, the flow of persons crossing the border has decreased. In particular, the reduction in the Polish and Lithuanian directions amounted to 30-40%. The border situation is under control. The State Border Committee is working in close cooperation with the KGB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and customs authorities. Law enforcement officers will not only suppress attempts of illegal goods transportation through checkpoints but also strengthen control on the green border.
The press secretary of the State Border Committee noted that prices in Belarus are socially oriented. If the export of fuel and certain goods is not restricted under such conditions, prices will have to be raised, which will negatively affect the entire population of the country, which should not suffer due to a small number of shuttle traders.
He also recalled that Belarus has certain obligations to neighboring states regarding the transit across the border. According to him, shuttle traders can cause queues at the border, which will hinder people traveling for leisure or on business trips. He also noted that shuttle traders harm not only the economy of Belarus but also, in particular, the economies of Poland and Lithuania. By adopting restrictive measures, Belarus is acting in unison with neighboring states. For example, Lithuania is considering restricting the export of fuel by car and plans to allow departure by car no more than five times a month, while Belarus has introduced a restriction of no more than six times a month.
BELTA