Alexander Lukashenko amended the Law “On the President”

The ex-head of Belarus is entitled to immunity and lifelong imprisonment

Alexander Lukashenko introduced amendments to the law “On the President”. This was done in accordance with changes to the Constitution adopted in a referendum in February 2022.

The head of Belarus decided to amend the Law “On the President” actually two years after the changes to the Constitution. So what changes are being made to the law? According to the draft introduced by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, the rule that “the same person can serve as President for no more than two terms” has been returned. The law also now states that the president can be removed from office by the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly in the event of a systematic or gross violation by the President of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus or the commission of high treason or another serious crime. The bringing of charges may take place on the initiative of at least one third of the full composition of the House of Representatives or at least 150 thousand citizens of the Republic of Belarus. After the decision of the All-Belarusian Assembly to remove the president, the case must be considered by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus. In the event of the death of the President, his powers are temporarily transferred to the Chairman of the Council of the Republic.

The President, who has ceased to exercise his powers, is guaranteed the following rights. Firstly, the ex-president becomes a delegate of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly and, if desired, a member of the Council of the Republic. He also has the right to participate in the management of non-profit organizations “established by him in order to promote the strengthening of Belarusian statehood.” Also, according to the law, the ex-president has immunity and cannot be held accountable for “actions committed in connection with the exercise of his presidential powers.” Family members of the ex-president also enjoy immunity. Immunity extends to the residential and office premises they occupy, the vehicles they use, means of communication, archives and correspondence. They also retain medical care. Also, the ex-president has the right to lifelong maintenance in the amount of 100 percent of his salary, regardless of the presence of other sources of livelihood. The residence of his choice is transferred to the ownership of the ex-president. And after the death of the former president, state support is awarded to members of his family. The legislation also protects the honor and dignity of the ex-president and his family members. Let us remind you that the next presidential elections in Belarus should be held in 2025.