Russia renews passport control at Belarus border

Passport examination has been renewed for bus trips from Russia to Belarus. It is an order by the FSB (the Federal Security Service of Russia).

Documetns of all passengers who are heading outside Russia are checked by staff of bus terminals only.

In paricular, as the European Radio for Belarus was told by a citizen of Belarus, he faced such a situation in Smolensk, when he was on his way home. Workers of Smolensk bus station checked the similarity of passport photos and passengers, details in tickets. Passengers with Caucasian were looked narrowly.

A "Russian bus lines" company representative confirmed this information. However an employee of the company noted that checks are held not only at the border with Belarus.

- Do you hold passport examination?

- Yes.

- And what is the reaso for that? It seemed not to be needed...

- It is related to terrorist attacks. There were terrorist attacks, that's the reason.

- Is that the reason why buses going to Belarus are checked?

- Not only goping to Belarus, all buses are checked.

- For how long is this regime to last?

- I do not know. Call the FSB.

- So is it the order of the FSB to your management?

- Yes.

We remind that on March 29 two blasts took place in Moscow metro.

Кстати, во время Дня Воли в этом году минская милиция заявляла о возможности теракта, который готовят какие-то «иностранные лица». Тогда предполагаемой страной, откуда в Беларусь якобы приехали террористы, правоохранители называли Россию.

By the way, during Freedo Day this year Minsk police stated that a terrorist attack prepared by some "foreigners" is possible. Then Russia was called the country from which terrorists alledgedly could arrive, as law-enforcing agencies stated.