Lukashenka dismisses head of KGB Suharenka

Alyaksandr Lukashenka has dismissed the head of KGB lieutenant-general Stsyapan Suharenka. His place has been taken by major-general Yuryi Zhadobіn who had been the head of the President’s Security Service for four years. It’s the second tankman to become a minister after Yuri Sivakou (former Minister of Internal Affaires). Yuryi Zhadobіn graduated from Kazan Tank College and the officers’ faculty of Moscow Military Academy of armoured troops. He has served in the system of civil defence of Belarus since 1990 and headed the internal armed forces after that.

Rumours about his future appointment appeared in June. Suharenka was failing to hold his positions that were weakened by arrests of high rank KGB officers accused of corruption.

One of the aims of Yuryi Zhadobin as head of KGB is “growth of KGB staff”. It is unknown where “staff members” will be taken from.

Lieutenant colonel Andrei Utsyuryn has become head of the President’s Security Service. He used to be “the head of the department of personal security of this organization”.

Suharenka’s deputy major-general Vasil Dzemyantsei also lost his post. He and his former boss will be assigned to “other posts”.

In the photo: Yuryi Zhadobіn (in the centre) during a meeting of the House of Representatives, November 2002. On the right – Minister of Defence Leanid Maltsau. - Photo.ByMedia.net