US Department of State urges citizens to leave Belarus, citing arbitrary detention risks

The US Department of State has reissued its Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Belarus, citing political instability, the risk of arbitrary detention, and Belarus' support of Russia's war in Ukraine.

"The US Embassy’s limited ability to assist American citizens, coupled with the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, makes it unsafe for US nationals to travel to Belarus at this time," the advisory states, Caliber.Az reports, citing US Department of State.

"US citizens in Belarus should depart immediately."

This advisory follows the suspension of operations at the US Embassy in Minsk since February 28, 2022, which included the evacuation of all US government personnel and the cessation of consular services. The advisory further warns that any US citizens who require consular assistance should attempt to leave the country and seek help at a US embassy or consulate in a neighbouring nation.

The Department of State underscores the potential dangers of Belarusian authorities' treatment of dual US-Belarusian nationals. "Belarus does not recognize dual nationality," the advisory explains. "Authorities may refuse to acknowledge the US citizenship of dual nationals and delay consular assistance."

Concerns over civil unrest are also highlighted, with the advisory advising US citizens to avoid public demonstrations, as authorities have used force against demonstrators, including peaceful protesters. "Bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face the possibility of arrest or detention," the State Department warns.

Further, US citizens are urged to reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus, as communications and devices are often monitored by Belarusian security services. "US citizens should assume that all electronic communications and devices are under surveillance," the advisory cautions.

"Belarusian authorities have detained US citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices."

In terms of logistics, the advisory also highlights the unpredictability of border crossings. "Border crossings with neighbouring states are sometimes closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus’ borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible," the advisory adds.

The country summary section of the advisory further paints a grim picture of Belarusian political repression. The government has detained tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, on charges related to political opposition.

"Approximately 1,300 prisoners are currently jailed for politically-related acts," the Department of State states. "Conditions in Belarusian detention facilities are extremely poor."

The report also references the infamous forced landing of a Ryanair flight in May 2021, during which Belarusian authorities arrested an opposition journalist. This incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue an advisory restricting US aviation operations in the Minsk Flight Information Region.

As tensions continue to rise, the US government urges its citizens to take all necessary precautions and reassess their travel plans in the event of further escalation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev