Belarusian Authorities Try to Control Internet

According to the rules of computer clubs, all users who come there to use the web, must leave their passport data and addresses in the registers. Besides, the clubs must be equipped with the software that will record all the steps of the users. That’s how the state tries to control internet.

Andrei Abozau, member of Third Way organization who is a witness in the criminal case brought on the case of appearance of the anti-presidential cartoons on the web, explained:
-- The state tries to control internet, influence it and limit the access to it. It’s worth mentioning the blockade of the sites of oppositional organizations during the presidential campaign of 2001. It is unacceptable for a democratic country. We have the state monopoly on internet – all providers have to receive the access to it through Beltelekam channel.

In internet-clubs users rarely can visit the web-sites of oppositional organizations and the youth student structures, alternative to the pro-governmental BRSM. In the computer classes of the universities students are completely deprived of such possibility.

In 2001 the article “Crime against informational security” appeared in the Criminal Code of Belarus. It provides criminal responsibility for unsanctioned access to internet, destruction of information and waste of sites. However, no one has been ever punished for such crimes.