Militia to be financed by local governments, donations

July 18, BPN. A militia to be formed in an emergency to supplement Belarus’ regular army will be funded by local governments, donations “and other sources not prohibited by the law,” the defense ministry has said.

Alaksandar Łukašenka signed the law to that effect on July 17.

Units will be manned by volunteers not eligible for conscription or not drafted under mobilization programs, but physically fit to “perform tasks required by law,” the ministry’s press office said.

The legislation requires employers to send employees on leave should they decide to join the militia, and keep their jobs reserved for them until they return.

Militia units will be based in the same districts where they were formed, while volunteers will live at their homes. The defense ministry is to supply the units with arms and ammunition.

The militia is disbanded when martial law is lifted by a presidential edict.

The militia is authorized to use physical force and weapons while assisting the interior ministry’s forces in maintaining martial law and protecting property, said a version of the bill published on the National Legal Internet Portal on May 23.