Two Polish priests forced to leave Belarus

Two Polish priests had to leave Belarus after authorities in the post-Soviet republic refused to extend their work permits, Polskie Radio reported Monday.

Two Polish priests had to leave Belarus after authorities in the post-Soviet republic refused to extend their work permits, Polskie Radio reported Monday.

It said every year several Polish priests are expelled over their inability to say mass in Belarusian.

In a similar case in 2008, two Polish priests were expelled from Belarus after their work permits had been denied despite interventions from both their congregations and local bishops.

According to some reports, Polish priests in Belarus have abused their religious visa status by getting involved in local politics.

WARSAW/MOSCOW, January 4 (RIA Novosti)