People's Militia in Belarus: Who Can Join and What Powers Do Volunteers Have

"Every man must know how to handle weapons, because no one can protect their home better than you yourself," the head of state repeatedly emphasized. These words formed the basis of the philosophy of the people's militia.

Militiamen played an important role in the outcome of the Great Patriotic War, defending their native land with weapons in hand. Today, the creation of people's militia detachments is a continuation of the glorious traditions of people's self-defense and a practical tool that allows every patriot to contribute to the country's security and be ready at any difficult moment to stand up for the Motherland. Against the backdrop of a complex foreign policy situation, increasing military tension, and destructive steps by a number of foreign states, decisive measures have been taken in Belarus to strengthen its defense capability. One of the key steps is the Law "On People's Militia" signed by the President on July 17, 2023, which became a direct response to modern challenges and an embodiment of the principle: the defense of the Fatherland must be of a nationwide nature. The main task of the militiamen is to protect their home, property, family, and small homeland.

Powers of volunteers

When performing tasks, people's defenders have the right to use physical force and weapons (strictly within the framework of current legislation); to detain those who have committed crimes or offenses for their subsequent transfer to representatives of internal affairs bodies; to demand that citizens observe public order, established restrictions, wartime prohibitions, and cease actions that impede the work of the militia; to help law enforcement officers solve various tasks:

– restrict movement and inspect vehicles;

– control passes to protected facilities;

– check documents, conduct personal searches of citizens and belongings (with subsequent transfer of seized items to internal affairs officers);

– when pursuing suspects, inspect premises, including residential ones;

– use transport to deliver victims to medical institutions.

Who can become a people's defender?

People's militia detachments are staffed by volunteers with the necessary personal qualities and appropriate health status. The law prohibits enlisting citizens who are serving a sentence (arrest, restriction, or deprivation of liberty); those against whom a preventive measure in the form of detention, house arrest has been chosen, or a decision on internment has been made; those recognized as incapacitated or partially incapacitated; those with diseases or physical disabilities that prevent them from possessing weapons.

The people's militia consists of armed formations created from among volunteers who have expressed a desire to participate in ensuring martial law on the territory of their administrative-territorial unit (for example, a rural council). Although militiamen must assist territorial internal affairs bodies in carrying out a complex of necessary measures when martial law is introduced, annual exercises are held with them in peacetime to maintain constant readiness. Participation in the militia is based on the immutable principles of voluntariness, legality, humanism, and transparency. Enlistment in the ranks of volunteers DOES NOT exempt from mobilization and DOES NOT terminate employment. The employer is obliged to release the people's defender from work for the duration of the tasks, to retain his place, position, and average earnings.

Department of Law Enforcement and Prevention

Internal Affairs Department of Postavy District Executive Committee