Lieutenant Colonel From Lida Filed Dismissal Report In Protest

He was welcomed near the police station by the citizens, who expressed their support.

Yury Makhnach, Lieutenant Colonel of Police from Lida and commander of the Lida police company, who spoke about preparing the police for the elections and beatings, filed a report on his dismissal yesterday. Several dozens of Lida residents came to support the officer, tut.by writes.

- I've filed a report. Some officers called me a traitor, but not all of them. There was another reaction too, - Yury says.

After the report was written, the police lieutenant colonel met in the street with the Lida residents, who came to support him. The meeting lasted 15 minutes. Those who gathered thanked the policeman, recalled the events of the previous week, showed Yury their beatings, complained about the actions of the officers - and tried to understand why all that was needed.

The people said that they were ready to support the policeman if he needed help, thanked him for his deed and the interview.

- I have known you for 20 years - and I know what a worthy man you are.

- Thank you for being so honest.

- Yury, we are with you, - those present were saying.

He was touched by such support, he said that justice would prevail.

- And those employees, who say now that I am a traitor, will also understand that this is not so, - Yury Makhnach says.

We remind that Lieutenant Colonel of Police from Lida, commander of the Lida police company, Yury Makhnach recorded his address to law enforcers, where he talked about how law enforcers were prepared for the elections, who gave orders on brutal dispersal, as well as about beatings of people in Lida.

Yesterday the Interior Ministry released a statement that the police officers share responsibility for all the negative events that have occurred in recent days, but will not condemn their colleagues and the authorities.

They also commented on the dismissed employees:

- We are not going to judge the small part of the policemen who left the service today because of their inner convictions.