Belarusian authorities supportive of security forces in opposition to public pressure

The Belarusian Interior Ministry has responded to the criticism by “some human rights defenders” about illegal actions by law enforcement employees. Recently, there was an increase in reports in the independent media about illegal actions or abuse of duty by law enforcement officers against citizens. Nevertheless, independent polls by IISEPS and MIA own polls show people’s satisfaction with the law enforcement activity aiming to protect public order and the rights and legitimate interests of citizens. The law enforcement refers to such polls when denies the existence of significant deficiencies in the law enforcement system. The Belarusian government regards the security forces as the main instrument in protecting state interests and ensuring social and political stability, which suppresses changes in the law enforcement system and its greater openness to society. In addition, the authorities send a signal of support to lower and mid-level law enforcement officers, even if they exceed their power amid political liberalization and a more tolerant attitude to public criticism.