In 2020, a significant number of incidents of blocking railway traffic by placing metal wire were registered across the Republic of Belarus.

In 2020, a significant number of incidents of blocking railway traffic by placing metal wire were registered across the Republic of Belarus. The number of such cases is growing daily; in just one day, law enforcement officers identified over 20 instances of metal wire being placed on the tracks nationwide. Calls to block railway lines to disrupt train schedules and cause damage to Belarusian Railways are increasingly appearing on certain internet resources. Such interference with railway operations will not only lead to the disruption of train schedules but also to emergency braking, which could result in passenger injuries and irreversible consequences. Schedule disruptions cause inconvenience to passengers who are unable to reach their destinations on time, and also entail economic losses.

For intentional obstruction of transport communications by creating obstacles or by other means, punishment is provided for under Article 18.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences, in the form of a fine from 6 to 10 base units.

For placing objects on railway and tram tracks that may cause traffic disruptions, damage to railway or tram tracks, protective track facilities, structures, and signalling and communication devices, liability is provided for under Article 18.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus – a fine of up to 50 base units. In case of violation of railway transport traffic safety and actions that create a threat to the safe operation of the railway, not only administrative but also criminal liability is provided for.

For intentional destruction, damage, or otherwise rendering unusable railway transport facilities, ways of communication, structures on them, signalling or communication devices, if such actions, knowingly by the perpetrator, could lead to human death, derailment, accident, or other grave consequences, or damage on a particularly large scale, liability is provided for under Article 309 of the Criminal Code – the maximum penalty is up to 10 years of imprisonment.

For intentional actions that grossly violate public order and express clear disrespect for society