Belarus quietly builds DNA database of dissidents, RFE/RL reports
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Belarusian authorities are quietly compiling a DNA database of people viewed with suspicion by the state, RFE/RL reports. Samples have been taken from political prisoners and relatives of exiled dissidents outside any legal framework, according to a lawyer. A proposed law would mandate DNA samples for all Belarusians, which critics say would legalize an existing practice.
Key Facts
- RFE/RL reports that Belarusian authorities have been quietly compiling a DNA database of people viewed with suspicion by the state.
- DNA samples were taken from the parents of an exiled Belarusian journalist two years ago after a criminal case was opened against him in absentia.
- Aleh Aheyeu, deputy chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, says DNA samples are being collected from political prisoners and relatives of people who have left Belarus outside any legal framework.
- Alyaksey Volkau, chairman of the Belarusian State Forensic Medical Examination Committee, proposed a law on August 20 that would mandate DNA samples for all Belarusians over one to four years.
- No Western country has a universal requirement for citizens to provide DNA samples, though some allow police to take DNA from people convicted of serious crimes.
Collection Practices
Mikalay, a journalist with an independent Belarusian media outlet operating outside the country, said DNA samples were taken from his parents two years ago. After a politically motivated criminal case was opened against him in absentia, police summoned his mother to provide a DNA sample and later drove to her rural residence. Investigative Committee officers took a saliva sample on the spot and told her, 'If something happens to your son, this will make it easier to identify him.' Aleh Aheyeu, a lawyer and deputy chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, says similar stories are now widespread. He added that samples are being taken 'outside of any legal framework' and that there are numerous cases in which DNA is extracted through deception, lies, or threats.
Proposed Legislation
The Belarusian State Forensic Medical Examination Committee has initiated a proposal for a law that would mandate DNA samples for all Belarusians. Committee chairman Alyaksey Volkau said in an interview published on August 20 that the work should take place over one to four years, with priority given to certain categories. Volkau said plans were still in early stages but that the committee is 'working actively on this and seeing support from colleagues in law enforcement and other state organs.' Aheyeu said the proposed law 'is an attempt to legalize a practice that already exists.'
International Context
Some Western countries have laws that give police the authority to take DNA from people convicted of a serious crime. None has a universal requirement for citizens to provide samples. Aheyeu said it remains unclear what the DNA samples would be used for by the authorities in Belarus, where Aleksandr Lukashenko has been in power since 1994.
1 source
Belarus quietly builds DNA database of dissidents, RFE/RL reports
