Lukashenko signed the law on the death penalty for high treason for officials and the military

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a law on strengthening criminal liability for extremism and anti-state activities, according to which the death penalty for high treason is introduced for officials and military personnel. The corresponding statement was published by the press service of the Belarusian leader.

“The law provides for the extension of criminal liability for treason committed by an official to all persons holding public office. At the same time, for treason against the state, committed by an official or a soldier, the possibility of applying an exceptional measure of punishment – the death penalty is introduced, ”the statement says.

For a number of crimes of an anti-state orientation, an additional punishment is established in the form of a fine of up to 50,000 basic units. At the same time, the law provides for criminal liability for propaganda of terrorism, discrediting the armed forces of the republic, other troops and military formations, paramilitary organizations and violation of requirements for the protection of state secrets.

On May 18, 2022, Lukashenko signed a law providing for the death penalty for terrorism. Capital punishment is applied in a number of cases concerning the attempted murder of a representative of a foreign state, the preparation of acts of terrorism with the help of atomic energy facilities and the attempted murder of a statesman or public figure.

Belarus is the only country in Europe and the CIS where the death penalty has been preserved. It can be appointed to men who have committed a particularly serious crime from the established list after 18 years of age and at the time of sentencing under 65 years of age.