Siarhei Antonchyk: Everything is possible in country living by criminal rules instead of laws

To avoid a prison term for corruption, one needs to give money to the “common fund”.

The member of the Supreme Council of Belarus of the 12th convocation, who prepared a report on corruption among Lukashenka's close associates, spoke to charter97.org about the official, who was arrested by the police, but later found at large.

“Everyone understands that we don't have laws and an equal approach to all people in the country. Some must observe laws, but some not. A criminal group living by criminal rules has the power. I don't know details of the case, but there are different opportunities to be released. For example, he returned the money he hadn't paid to the 'common fund'. Or maybe the high-ranking officials, who covered him, ordered to free him. Everything is possible in this country. I already said that people are appointed not due to their honesty, transparency or intellect. Other qualities are more important,” the politician underlined.

He thinks we will see thousands of similar arrests.

“Halina Zhuraukina was also accused of a large-scale embezzlement. Officials on the highest level decide for prosecutors and courts what can be said and what not. Unlike normal countries, we don't have boundaries between courts and prosecution bodies. The head of state can imprison or release any person, no matter what the court says. Everyone must understand a simple thing: laws don't work in the country. We have a criminal group living and working by criminal rules. If you understand it, you understand what's going on,” Siarhei Antonchyk said.

The general director of the Minsk regional housing and utility company, who was reported by the police to have been detained, is at liberty.