Belarusian security forces attempt to restore confidence ratings and prevent reshuffles

Interior Minister Ihar Shunevich in the “Close-up” TV programme commented on the deadly accident, which happened through the fault of a drunken Baranovichi traffic police chief. The minister attempted to play down multiple reports of abuse by the law enforcement, to politicise the conflict between society and the police and to emphasise his role in preserving the socio-political stability in Belarus. Amid dwindling state resources and stepped-up competition for budgetary support, media reports about violations in the law enforcement system have multiplied. Minister Shunevich is frequently confronted with the information pressure from the media on the law enforcement agencies. That said, retaining high confidence of the population in the law enforcement system and other public institutions is crucial for the Belarusian authorities.