Police give advice to “revolutionists”

Press secretary of Minsk police Alyaksandr Lastouski has given unofficial advice on how to behave “in the square” not to get detained and what to do if you are delivered to the police office. The advice is available on Twitter and on Mink City Executive Comemtee’s LJ.

 

"This is what the press secretary thinks about it. Maybe, I had the right to do so”, - says Alyaksandr Lastouski.

 

1. You must (!) tell your parents where you go – so that they would know where to look for you if you get detained.

 

2. Taking you passport with you is obligatory (!) – it will speed up the consideration of your case in the District Department of the Interior if you are detained.

 

3. Intoxication is an aggravating circumstance, so never drink before “the square”.

 

4. Do not bring unregistered symbols and thrust or cutting objects that can injure people.

 

5. Do not bring backpacks (although many people love them) – you will attract policemen’s attention and they will check them.

 

6. Do not bother policemen with your questions and do not interfere in their work – you will be punished.

 

7. You should know that taking pictures with a cell phone can lead to a conflict.

 

8. Do not give way to provocations – you are just “meat” for the organizers and they will urge you to violate the law.

 

9.  They use water-jets, bullets and gas in Europe. We just crowd out in Minsk. Do not make the situation turn into “a European one” ...

 

10. If you are “in the Square”, you are violating the law. Be ready to get detained and fined according to article 23.34 of the Administrative Code.

 

"This is my initiative but it has got normal development, - says Lastouski. – All of us were young and we indulged in the spirit of rebellion and we wanted adventures too. That is why I have written 10 pieces of advice for those who did not read our website. If you still decide to take part in an unauthorized meeting, the advice will help you behave. It is aimed at helping young people leave meetings without many problems”.

 

The advice has been perceived in different ways on the Internet. Organizers of the action expressed their gratitude and published their own rules of conduct. They coincide in some way.

 

What you should not do in the Square:

 

— Drink alcoholic beverages or be in any state of intoxication;

— shout out mottoes;

— use bad language;

— run into the traffic way (only use the pavement);

—cross over at the red light;

— bring symbols or agitation materials;

— provoke the police by your behaviour;

— bring additional elements that can be used to identify you in a crowd;

— organize meetings (when somebody speaks and the others listen);

— urge people to go anywhere;

— sing (you do not need words to express your position, we need only your presence – like it happened last time);

— smoking is not forbidden in the square (there is no law forbidding it), but let’s not give corrupt journalists an opportunity “to show” how “bad” we are.

— it is difficult to predict everything, so anything that has not been planned is a provocation.