Criminal legislation toughened in Belarus

According to the amendments, criminal responsibility was introduced for extremism (creation of an extremist group and participation or preparation for participation in it), for financing and promoting extremist activities, for repeated violations of the procedure for holding mass events, and for illegal collection and dissemination of personal data.

Criminal punishment has been toughened under some of the law norms that were previously in use.

All adopted amendments are aimed at suppressing the protest movement and intimidating citizens. Some of the laws will come into effect in 10 days.