On the use of laser emitters (pointers)

November 9, 2023

Recently, there has been an increase in cases of citizens using relatively new, atypical means of endangering flight safety in the country, among which laser emitters, or so-called pointers, can be identified.

Recently, there has been an increase in cases of citizens using relatively new, atypical means of endangering flight safety in the country, among which laser emitters, or so-called pointers, can be identified. This year alone, there have been instances of civil aviation crews being blinded from the ground by laser radiation sources. By targeting individuals operating various modes of transport, be it an airplane, train, or car, with such devices, it is possible to cause death and harm to a significant number of people.

The danger of blinding lies in the fact that an aircraft pilot loses spatial orientation for several seconds, which negatively affects flight safety. The danger to passengers on board and the crew is greater compared to the danger posed by hooligan actions in other public places. In foreign countries, responsibility for laser attacks against aircraft includes both fines and imprisonment, and some countries prohibit the free sale of laser devices. In accordance with the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, such actions contain elements of Articles 147 ("Intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm"), 149 ("Intentional infliction of less grievous bodily harm"), 309 ("Intentional rendering of transport or means of communication unusable"), and 339 ("Hooliganism").

Remember! Never aim a laser beam at an airplane, train, car, or people, as it can cause blindness or burns. Blinding aircraft crews with laser radiation and the resulting negative consequences entail liability in accordance with the legislative acts of the Republic of Belarus.

If you have witnessed or been a victim of this unlawful behavior, immediately report it to the nearest internal affairs body.

Also, in order to improve the effectiveness of interaction with citizens, district police inspectors of the Glubokoye District Department of Internal Affairs conduct citizen reception hours weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 13:00 in rural areas (at rural executive committees) and from 17:00 to 20:00 in Glubokoye (Kommunisticheskaya St., 6).

Deputy Head

Department of Public Law Enforcement and Prevention, Public Security Militia, Glubokoye District Department of Internal Affairs

D.V. Gribun