Following the suspected death of Belarusian activist Vitaly Shishov in Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday instructed security services to provide additional protection to Belarusians living in exile.
Shishov, who disappeared in Kiev on Monday, was found hanging in a park near his residence on Tuesday. Police admit there may have been a murder disguised as suicide.
“Every Belarusian who, because of his political position, can become a target for criminals must receive special and reliable protection,” Zelensky said.
The president has instructed the home ministry and security service to develop an “algorithm for assessing potential risks” to eradicate any threats.
Zelensky’s office revealed that the decision to strengthen protection for Belarusians living in exile was made because information had been received about the possible threat to several Belarusian activists, as well as Shishov’s tragic death.
The president’s office said he expected a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shishov’s death.
Shishov, 26, led the NGO “House of Belarus in Ukraine”, which provides assistance to Belarusians who have fled repression in their country.
The organization said on Monday that Shishov had run in the morning and had not returned and could no longer be called.
Shishov’s friends said he had been tracked recently.
“Belarusian House in Ukraine” blames Shishov’s death on the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
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