Lukashenka demands to strengthen blocking of independent websites

The ruler praised the Operational and Analytical Centre for censoring the Belarusian internet.

“You must be ready to counter threats to information security. The centre and other agencies recently managed to stop attempts to destabilise the political situation by means of the internet. I am sure you will continue to give a decent response to similar provocations,” Lukashenka said today during his visit to the Operational and Analytical Centre.

The ruler demanded that Siarhei Shpehun's agency should intensify anticorruption efforts.

“Of course, I expect you to provide deep and high-quality information about combating corruption, the situation in the economy and the situation in individual strategic sectors and particular companies. You must be concerned about everything that is important for the state. You mustn't ignore it,” Lukashenka said.

He noted there were no untouchable people in the country.

“Due to the courage, honesty and professional skills of the Centre's employees, a number of high-ranking executives involved in dirty business, bureaucracy and frauds saw that there are no untouchable people in the country,” Lukashenka said.

Lukashenka singed the decree “On Internet Censorship” in 2010. It obliges internet service providers to register users and keep information about the services rendered. The Operational and Analytical Centre was ordered to control the internet. The OAC and relative agencies make lists of forbidden resources. ISPs block access to such websites in governmental agencies, educational and cultural institutions. A number of opposition websites, including charter97.org, were put on the blacklist.