Belarus leader tightens control over country’s religious groups

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a new law tightening control over religious groups (Belarusian Presidential Press Service via AP)

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a law into effect that significantly tightens control over various religious denominations and organisations.

The law, published on the presidential website this week, mandates that all denominations and religious groups reapply for state registration, which authorities reserve the right to refuse.