Consular services for American diplomats in Minsk are unavailable;
The United States called on its citizens to immediately leave the territory of Belarus. It is also recommended not to travel to the country due to the current danger to Americans. This was reported by the press service of the US State Department.
It was noted that the threat to American citizens is due to the arbitrary application of local laws by the Belarusian authorities, the risk of detention, as well as the support of the Alexander Lukashenko regime for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The State Department recalled that due to the closure of the US Embassy in Minsk on February 28, 2022, consular services for US citizens in Belarus will not be available. Therefore, upon arrest, persons with dual citizenship may be denied consular assistance.
It was also reported that the Belarusian government may close checkpoints at the borders of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine without notice. Such actions increase the risk of foreigners being left isolated in the country.
According to the State Department, Belarusian security services monitor the electronic communications of citizens in the country. There have been recorded cases of foreigners being jailed for information on their devices, even if created outside of Belarus.
Given the existing risks to American citizens, several recommendations were issued:
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avoid public demonstrations where arbitrary action by law enforcement is possible.
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review emergency evacuation plans.
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leave the country immediately via available international routes.
In addition, the United States has warned citizens to avoid public demonstrations, as Belarusian authorities may use force against protesters and even arrest foreigners without valid grounds.
We remind you that the Central Election Commission of Belarus, controlled by the ruling regime, has set presidential elections for January 26, 2025.
The self-proclaimed President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has threatened that in the event of protests in the country he will completely shut down the Internet.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.