Belarus Readies More Sweeping Intrusions For Mail From EU Countries

Authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka announced in September that he had signed a decree to allow for inspections to block the import of aerial drones and prevent their use by individuals. (file photo

Belarus's customs body says a government document is being prepared that will expand the authority to inspect all postal parcels and other items originating from European Union countries and addressed to Belarusians. Authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka announced in September that he had signed a decree to allow for inspections to block the import of aerial drones and prevent their use by individuals amid a yearslong clampdown on the opposition, media, and civil society since a flawed presidential election in 2020. His crackdown has intensified since he allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory for its 20-month-old invasion of Ukraine. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.