Foreigners' Participation in Gomel Combat Discussed: Comment from Belarus' Ministry of Internal Affairs Regarding Alleged Involvement of Foreigners in Violent Encounters in Gomel
Squabble in Gomel Sparks Rumors, MVD Assures on Migration Situation
Over the weekend, a scuffle erupted between two foreigners in Gomel, setting off a wave of speculation. But fear not, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has shed light on the matter.
Assuaging concerns about the migration situation in Belarus, Vadim Zaboronok, Deputy Head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration at the MVD, has confirmed that despite the influx of visitors, there's no surge in criminal activities linked to them.
"Our law enforcement agencies are keeping a sharp eye on both entry and exit procedures and the conduct of guests in our country," he said.
An MVD representative affirmed that the majority of foreign visitors are law-abiding citizens. Any breaches are promptly addressed, even leading to deportation if necessary.
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The Gomel Brawl
The incident in Gomel involved two non-Slavic-looking young men engaged in a physical altercation, filmed by bystanders. Some spectators assumed they were Pakistanis, a group speculated to be invited by Alexander Lukashenko.
However, it was later disclosed that the combatants were Moroccans, embroiled in a personal spat over a petty matter.
According to Zaboronok, the police apprehended the young men and provided them necessary medical care. The matter of charging them and sending them back home is under review.
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Meanwhile, the MVD has cautioned against spreading misleading online content that provokes panic and ethnic prejudice – a offense punishable by law.
Noteworthy Visitor Statistics
Belarus has welcomed a substantial influx of foreign visitors, facilitated by its visa waiver and e-visa policies. As of Q1 2025, over 75,579 European travelers have entered the country under the visa waiver program[3]. The government intends to broaden this program to encompass more nations, aiming to stimulate tourism amidst international pressures[3].
Sources:
Viber
[1] Official MVD website[2] TUT.by - MVD: Crime rate among foreigners is not rising[3] TUT.by - Belarus sees significant increase in foreign visitors[4] VisitBelarus - Visa-free countries forthe International Festival of Arts “Slavianski Bazaar”
*"Although the scuffle in Gomel between two foreigners has sparked rumors about a potential link to general-news events or political favorites, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has clarified that the incident involved Moroccans engaged in a personal dispute and was not related to crime-and-justice concerns. The MVD has also warned against the spreading of misleading online content that could provoke panic and ethnic prejudice."
"Despite the recent incident in Gomel, Belarus continues to see an influx of foreign visitors, with over 75,579 European travelers entering the country under the visa waiver program as of Q1 2025. The government aims to expand this program and stimulate tourism amidst international pressures."
