Сейм Литви розширив повноваження військових через загрозу з боку Білорусі
The Lithuanian Seimas has adopted amendments that give the Armed Forces additional powers during the state of emergency declared due to illegal flights of airborne probes from the territory of Belarus. The decision was supported by 67 deputies, none voted against or abstained. This was reported by The Public with reference to Lrt.lt.
The amendments were prepared after the state of emergency was introduced on 9 December and on the recommendations of the National Security Committee. The military, which is assisting the police and border guards, has been given the right to issue binding orders to individuals and legal entities, to pursue and detain violators or suspects of crimes.
The powers will be valid for three months and can be extended an unlimited number of times if necessary. The military is also allowed to temporarily restrict access to certain territories or premises, stop work and restrict or prohibit traffic.
In addition, they can check documents, conduct surface searches of people and things, inspect vehicles, cargo and luggage, and use special means.
Since the beginning of December, the Lithuanian military has been involved in supporting the police and the State Border Guard Service. The joint teams include units of the Army, Military Police, Air Force and Logistics Forces. Aviation also performs ground air defence tasks on the border with Belarus.
According to the authorities, in recent months alone, smuggling probes have repeatedly disrupted the operation of Vilnius airport and have also led to the shutdown of Kaunas airport at least once. The last time the work of the capital's airport was temporarily suspended was on 6 December.
In Vilnius, these actions are called elements of a hybrid attack by Minsk. Earlier, the US special envoy said that Alexander Lukashenko had promised to stop the flights of such probes, but the threat still persists.
