The Belarusian Interior Ministry has provided an update on the high-profile case involving a Mercedes G-Class parked improperly near the Akademkniga bookstore in Minsk. A 32-year-old citizen of Kazakhstan has been officially warned that she could be expelled from Belarus if she commits further traffic violations.
According to the ministry, investigators found that the driver of the Mercedes had repeatedly violated traffic regulations, including rules governing the transportation of children, and had previously been held administratively liable.
The Interior Ministry said it decided to issue an official warning in view of the fact that the woman has four minor children in her care.
“The Interior Ministry reminds foreign visitors that failure to comply with Belarusian law may result in expulsion. Taking into account that the woman is responsible for four minor children, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to give her one final chance. Today she was summoned to the citizenship and migration department at her place of residence, where she was officially warned that if she commits any further unlawful acts, she will be expelled from the country. Belarus is open to foreign visitors. At the same time, any violations of the law by foreign nationals will not go unnoticed by law enforcement authorities,” the ministry said.
The investigation was launched after videos appeared on social media. The vehicle was first seen parked on a sidewalk near a building on Independence Avenue and later in a parking space reserved for people with disabilities at the Zamok shopping center. During the inquiry, authorities also established that the woman had transported a two-year-old child in the front seat without a child restraint device. It had previously been reported that she had repeatedly violated traffic regulations and had already been held administratively liable on several occasions.
