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The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus, known locally as Міністэрства ўнутраных спраў Рэспублікі Беларусь or МУС in Belarusian and МВД in Russian, has a long and complex history that reflects the country's political and social evolution. Established as the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Belarusian SSR in 1991, it inherited its roots from earlier Soviet-era agencies, including the NKVD of the Belarusian SSR (1933–1946) and the Ministry of Security of the Belarusian SSR (1946–1962).
Architecturally, the Ministry's headquarters in Minsk is a significant government building, embodying Soviet-era design principles with a functional and imposing style typical of state institutions from that period. The structure symbolizes authority and state security, often featuring prominent facades and symbolic motifs representing law and order.
The Ministry oversees a broad spectrum of law enforcement agencies, including the Militsiya, which functions as the primary police force responsible for maintaining public order, crime prevention, and law enforcement. The Militsiya's structure includes specialized departments such as the Criminal Police, Public Security Police, and the Department of State Traffic Police. The organization also encompasses internal troops, a paramilitary force formed from Soviet Internal Troops, tasked with crowd control, anti-terrorism, and border security. Notably, the Minsk-based 3rd Red Banner Separate Special-Purpose Brigade, formed in the 1990s, performs these specialized tasks and trains for combined arms operations.
The Ministry also maintains a cultural and educational presence through institutions like the Museum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, opened in 1986, which showcases the history of law enforcement in Belarus from the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to modern days. The Exemplary Band of the Ministry, established in 1945, is a prestigious military band that performs during national celebrations, including the Minsk Independence Day Parade, contributing to the national cultural landscape.
Throughout its history, the Ministry has been led by various interior ministers, with Ivan Kubrakov serving since 2020. The leadership has played a significant role in shaping internal security policies, which, according to international human rights organizations, have been associated with political repression and human rights violations.
The Ministry's role extends beyond law enforcement to include tasks such as landmine clearance and providing security for state officials and buildings. Its activities and personnel have been subject to international sanctions, reflecting its controversial role in Belarusian politics and security operations.
In summary, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus is a central institution in the country's internal security framework, with a rich history rooted in Soviet traditions, and a significant influence on the political and social landscape of Belarus.