Łukašenka seeks to expand State Control Committee’s powers
January 5, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has submitted a bill to the House of Representatives that would expand the powers of the State Control Committee, authorizing it to prevent economic crimes, the lower chamber’s press office reports.
If adopted, the legislation would give the financial investigative agencies the power to suspend businesses for violations of laws on pricing and trade; block the state registration and shut down legal entities; freeze transactions in banks and non-bank financial institutions.
The Financial Investigations Department at the State Control Committee focuses, among other things, on combating the financing of “extremism and terrorism,” its deputy head Viktar Franskievič said last year.
Authorities in Belarus have equated criticism, solidarity, advocacy, the free media and free expression to extremism and terrorism following the 2020 peaceful protests against election fraud.
Navapołack-based florist sentenced to “restricted freedom” for donations
December 3, Pozirk. Instances of politically-motivated persecution documented on December 3 included a “restricted freedom” sentence for Natalla Hirš, a florist in Navapołack, Viciebsk region, Naša Niva reported. She was convicted of financing extremism apparently in connection with donations to opposition groups. …
