Military’s powers add to “fear and frustration” in Belarus – opposition politician

February 6, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka’s edict giving soldiers powers to shoot at offender without firing warning shots is “the next logical stage in establishing an atmosphere of absolute fear and frustration in Belarus,” said opposition security chief Valeryj Sachaščyk.

Authorities would not benefit from this and other similar steps, as they only fuel tension and crisis in Belarus, the retired commando added.

Łukašenka is afraid of unrest during the new electoral cycle after the 2020 postelection protests and is trying to intimidate people as much as possible ahead of the 2024 and 2025 elections, Sachaščyk said.

The Belarusian ruler is also scared of the Kremlin, which can organize provocations in Belarus, the politician noted.

Łukašenka’s Edict No 37 published on February 3 changed the army’s regulations to allow soldiers to shoot without warning at offenders and use physical force, combat equipment and weapons depending on the nature of the offense and the identity of the offender.

The previous version authorized soldiers to use physical force and weapons only “if their tasks cannot be carried out by other means.”

Under the edict, soldiers will not be held responsible for any deaths or damage.