Belarusian authorities start firing those with relatives abroad
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A new form of repression has emerged in Belarus. Now they're firing people whose close relatives live in "hostile" countries.
"Belsat" journalists received this information from multiple sources. The TV channel says the known cases affect diverse regions and sectors.
Specific Cases
For instance, at an enterprise under the Military-Industrial Committee in January 2026, dismissal lists were compiled. They included over a dozen engineers who must leave by late February. The reason given: relatives in Ukraine and other countries officially "hostile" to Minsk.
Broader Pattern
Similar cases are reported at non-military enterprises. Key nuance: they're not firing every employee with relatives abroad, but only those in responsible or managerial roles.
Political dismissals continue for other reasons too. Based on KGB decrees, contracts are still canceled with those who signed for "wrong" candidates in 2020. Such workers aren't allowed to stay, "even if they're sorely needed," despite leadership requests.
