Hotel guards in Minsk allowed to search guests during European Games

Alyaksandr Lukashenka has signed the order listing additional security measures meant for the II European Games that will be held in Minsk on June 21-30. The document will come into force when it is published. What is going to change in the life of the capital?

The law enforcement agencies will be allowed to block any website within 24 hours if they urge for mass riots, extremism, participation in unauthorized mass events and other activities that could compromise the Europa Games on June 20-30. They will not need the permission of the Ministry of Information. The blocked websites will be put on the list of restricted access afterwards.

Usually, only the Ministry of Information can block websites. The Ministry sends its decision to the State Inspectorate for Telecommunication within 3 days. Then a website is added on the black list and Internet service providers are given one more day to restrict access to the blacklisted website.

The other innovations that will be in force on June 17-July 2:

Drones and aircraft models will be banned at stadiums and other places of mass events in Minsk. They will also be forbidden near hotels and in the places of accommodation of the participants of the games. In case of violation, drones will be confiscated until July 2. The only exception will be state UAVs and drones used for the organization of the European Games.

According to the decree, the European Games will be an official reason to restrict traffic in Minsk. Special traffic lanes will be allocated for the vehicles involved in the organization of the sports event.

Rescuers will be able to conduct additional fire-safety check-ups and monitor sports objects, hotels, fan zones and other places of accommodation of the participants of the European Games.

If necessary, soldiers can be involved in keeping the public order during the games. They will be allowed to use force, special equipment and weapons like interior troops.

Cadets may be involved in providing information and organization assistance to fans and other people during sports events and the opening and closing ceremonies.

Guards working at hotels and other places of accommodation of the participants of the games will be allowed to search guests as well as check their IDs and inspect vehicles.