Publicly criticize Lukashenko or the country
If a tourist walking past the screen on October Square sees Lukashenko there and wants to express an opinion about him — there may be problems. There are many police officers on the streets of Minsk, and you can often be detained simply for words. Especially if you do not just mutter something under your breath, but decide to record a TikTok video. The same applies to comments on social networks and Telegram: they are monitored, and you can get into trouble for them too. Even for the word “cockroach.” There have been precedents of detentions for criticism of Lukashenko and his decisions.
Wear white-red-white clothing or accessories
Certain clothing also falls under the bans. In Belarus, you can even be detained for white-red-white Adidas pants, a white blouse with a red skirt, or sneakers in those colors. Security forces may mistake a person in such an outfit for an opposition supporter. Tourist or not — they will sort it out later. Before the events of 2020, this was not the case, but now the white-red-white color combination is effectively banned everywhere in Belarus.
Swear in public
The police can also detain you for swearing — for “violating public order.” This is what happened to the blogger Glebas. So if you want to curse, look around and make sure there are no security officers nearby. And no cameras. Better yet, do not swear.
Gather in large groups
If you want to gather in a large group, be careful. Belarusian security forces may perceive it as an “unauthorized mass event.” Even if a group of 20 people simply wanted to sit by the Svislach River and listen to music. Even a party in a private cottage or apartment may not always be safe because making noise at night is prohibited in Belarus.
Attend “adult events”
In Belarus, security forces fight not only the opposition but also sexual freedom. There were cases of detentions at a private swinger party, and at the end of 2023 the police raided a closed Hentai Party in one of the clubs. Some visitors later received from 3 to 15 days of arrest. Security forces in Belarus also raid semi-underground LGBT parties.
Possess or use anything that may be considered a drug
Belarus has strict anti-drug legislation, and you can go to prison for a very long time even for marijuana. But the list of substances that may be classified as narcotics is broader in Belarus. You may even be detained for medications commonly used in the European Union. Problems may arise if you have antidepressants like Bupropion or ADHD medication containing methylphenidate. A prescription from a foreign doctor will not necessarily protect you from problems.
Have the “wrong” tattoos
Some tattoos are effectively banned in Belarus, and people are actively persecuted because of them. Not only tattoos with swastikas, but also ACAB, “1312,” and even less controversial images. Belarusian security forces may also classify Scandinavian runes or mythological themes as “extremist.”
