EU-blacklisted police chief appointed deputy interior minister

November 13, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka, by his November 13, appointed Aleh Šulakoŭski, subject to EU sanctions since 2020, as Belarus’ deputy interior minister.

The Belarusian ruler has relieved Šulakoŭski of his duties as chief of the Brest regional police department, replacing him with Andrej Bakač.

The position of deputy interior minister became vacant on October 28 after Dźmitryj Karziuk was discharged from service “on age grounds,” with the right to wear the prescribed uniform and insignia.

The European Union placed Šulakoŭski on its list of Belarusians subject to the EU’s travel bans and asset freezes in October 2020 while he was serving as first deputy chief of the Homiel regional police department. He was designated for his alleged role in the post-election crackdown on dissent, including arbitrary arrests, violence and torture against peaceful protesters.