Travel privileges for policemen left intact

• 22.12.2007, 10:07

Belarusian policemen, despite of the repeal of benefits in the country, have aright for free pass in public transport. A document on that has been circulated to the Judicial Support Department of the Internal Ministry headquarters.

In the document, which copy has been obtained by the European radio, it is stated that policemen have been deprived of benefits, but after that the following information is given:

“Till now the Decree of October 9, 1995 No. 403 “On providing free pass to certain categories of law-enforcers, the State Control Committee workers and military men in discharge of their functions” remains in force. It envisages the right of internal affairs agencies’ representatives for free travel in all kinds of public transport (except taxi) in city, local and suburban traffic on presentation of special signs when they carry out operational-investigative means, maintain of public order and traffic safety an so on.

How does this sign looks like? It must be obviously known to check-men and conductors. It’s a service certificate with the word “Police” on the top, white on red.

This “special sign” has been approved by another decree, No. 491 of December 5, 1995.

In this document the Judicial Support Department of the Internal Ministry headquarters states that “decrees of the president of the state have a greater legal force than laws”.

Simultaneously, the Labour and Social defense ministry has prepared and offered for consideration of the leader of the state a draft law under which the two decrees of 1995 should be annulled.

However, Alyaksandr Lukashenka hasn’t signed it yet, that is why policemen continue to travel public transport for free.