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Karajev has been Belarus’ Minister of Internal Affairs since June 2019, when he replaced Ihor Shunevich.
It is true that he will not withdraw from the affairs of state management with an iron fist: Lukashenko has appointed Karajev as his adviser in the Grodno region. This is where most of the strikes take place, so it may be that sending hardliner Karajev to Grodno is a tactical decision by the Belarusian leader.
Although there are rumors that Lukashenko may indicate that he compromises and makes concessions to the protesters, Karajev is being replaced by another loyalist regime soldier, I. Kubrakov, who until now has been in command of the Minsk militia.
Karajev, who has already been sanctioned by the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada for the brutal crackdown on the protests, said on Wednesday that there was a “war” in Belarus and that law enforcement officials must be prepared. against deadly weapons.
Scanpix / AP photo / Protest in Belarus
“The militiaman was near death, and only then did he fire warning shots into the air. Why is that? They have told me that our militiamen have not been willing to kill a neighbor of their village, countryside, resident of their district until now, “Karajev said in an interview with political scientist Aliaksandras Sasnouskis.
According to the minister, during the 26 years of President Lukashenko’s rule, Belarusian law enforcement officers were willing to “act only humanely”, but “a cruel joke was broken”.
“Now the situation has changed, there is a war … Influenced openly and boldly, the lack of impunity and fear are fostered. And we still doubt, “said Karajev.
The former head of the Interior Ministry has now emphasized that he considers it his task to convince each militiaman that his life and the well-being of his family depend on “the speed and determination with which he withdraws the weapon and discovers that he is already being killed.”
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