In the Viciebsk region, security officers refuse to leave copies of search records, citing staff members’ personal data

In the Viciebsk region, security officers are refusing to leave residents copies of search records after searches. Human rights defenders from Viciebsk Viasna know of several such cases.

When people demanded that a copy of the record and a list of the confiscated items be left with them, the security officers replied that the documents contain their personal data and that handing over such documents is a "violation of the confidentiality of personal information."

According to the human rights defenders, the search record is the only official document that confirms the fact of the search itself, contains the full list of confiscated items and records any remarks the person made. Without it, the risk of confiscated items being swapped or lost grows, and problems arise with getting property returned. The person is also deprived of the ability to appeal the officers' actions.

The record lists only the names, surnames and positions of the officers who conducted the search, with no home addresses. The human rights defenders point out that the officials were acting within the limits of their official powers.

The human rights defenders call a refusal to leave a copy of the record, for any reason, a direct violation of the law. This also applies to excuses such as "we have no paper," "come to the station and pick it up" or "we'll send it later by mail."