Belarusian secret services step up their activities ahead of presidential elections

Independent Belarusian journalist and military analyst Alexander Alesin, who was arrested on suspicion of spying for a foreign country, was released on bail from the KGB jail. Alexander Alesin was charged with treason and cooperating with the secret services of the security or intelligence agency of a foreign state. However, allegedly the main suspect in this case is a foreign diplomat. The Belarusian authorities are trying to restrict access of foreign countries even to open information about Belarus’ defence potential due to increased tensions in the region and mutual distrust. In addition, repressions against the opposition and independent civil society are likely to increase ahead of the presidential election, as well as accusations of cooperation with foreign intelligence services.