Authorities ban more Belarusians from using the Pole’s Card
An article of the law “On a status of a local deputy” has been changed so that the local deputies can no longer use the Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka) [issued to individuals who cannot receive dual citizenship but with Polish roots], or other similar “privileges”.
The Belarusian authorities started to take action to limit use of the Pole’s Card in 2011. In 2012, the state officials, members of state security agencies, and deputies were banned from using these privileges, as well as from using similar privileges by other foreign states. Before the start of the presidential campaign of 2015, the state is continuing to enforce the loyalty of certain population groups which have some influence in Belarusian society. Most likely, the authorities will gradually increase the number of people who will be restricted from using the Pole’s card.
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Situation in Belarus