According to the new Code of Administrative Offences, since March 1, the number of fines for participation in unsanctioned public events increased significantly. Human rights activists estimated that 55 mothers with underage children were fined in Belarus while the Code was in force.
On March 1, the maximum fine under the updated article 24.23 of the Administrative Code was increased from 30 to 100 basic units (from 870 to 2,900 rubles). Therefore, if a person is charged under this article again, the number of fines may rise to 200 basic units or 5,800 rubles.
Belarusian police detained more than 250 women for participation in peaceful protests under the new article. As a result, fines were given to 114 women, 55 of whom had minor children. The size of fines ranged from 25 to 200 basic units (725 – 5,800 rubles). As a result, mothers of minor children have been fined a total of 116,290 rubles.
