The authoritarian leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, made changes to the statutes of the country's armed forces, according to which military personnel are allowed to use "firearms, special means, military and special equipment in the performance of their tasks" against citizens. This was reported by Radio Liberty.


The use of weapons against citizens, according to the document, is allowed even if they commit administrative offenses.


The changes made by Lukashenko also state that a soldier "shall not be liable for damage" caused by shooting when it "was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the general military statutes."


Earlier, Lukashenko signed amendments to the law "On State Security Bodies," according to which security officials are allowed to use weapons against women, children and the disabled in "cases of armed resistance, armed or group attacks or other actions that threaten human life or health."