In Belarus, state officials and military personnel face the death penalty if convicted of high treason. President Alexander Lukashenko signed a corresponding law on Thursday, executions are carried out with a shot in the back of the head.
Belarus is the only country in Europe that has not yet abolished the death penalty. It was imposed for crimes such as murder or terror.
“The death penalty can now be imposed for high treason committed by an official or a member of the army,” Lukashenko’s press service said in a statement. The law is part of criminal justice reforms, which are intended to better combat extremists and opponents of the state.
“Discredit”
Another amendment passed by Lukashenko on Thursday would ensure that anyone found guilty of “discrediting” the Belarusian armed forces would be jailed. Russia passed a similar law after invading neighboring Ukraine just over a year ago.
“Propaganda of Terrorism”
The penal code amendments approved by Lukashenko include penalties for “spreading terrorism propaganda, defamation of the armed forces and paramilitary units, and violations of the protection of state secrets,” Belta reported. Pre-trial detention is increased from three to ten days.
While Belarus has not sent its own troops to Ukraine, it did allow Russia in February 2022 to use its territory as a launching pad for Russian operations. Russian warplanes and drones use Belarusian airspace to attack Ukraine.
Source: Krone
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