In this regard, Belarusian human rights activists published a joint statement.

Article 356 of the Criminal Code of Belarus introduced the possibility of applying the death penalty for treason committed by an official in a responsible position, an official holding a public position, or a person with the status of a military serviceman.

The statement of human rights defenders states that according to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Republic of Belarus is a party, death sentences can be imposed only for the most serious crimes.

"The Human Rights Committee explained in its General Comment No. 36 that the term 'the most serious crimes' should be interpreted restrictively and mean only crimes of extreme gravity involving intentional murder.

The committee also emphasized that although the states that are parties to the treaty are not obliged to abolish the death penalty, they are nevertheless obliged to limit its application, but not to expand it in any way," the statement of human rights defenders says.

They emphasize that the society was not explained the exact reasons for the need to expand the use of the death penalty.

"We emphasize the inadmissibility of the use of the death penalty and the threat of its use as an instrument of political pressure, and we express concern about possible abuses by the Belarusian authorities, in particular, its arbitrary use," the statement says.

Human rights defenders demand to cancel the provisions of the Criminal Code, which provide for the possibility of applying the death penalty for non-violent crimes, as well as for attempted crimes.

They call for strict and unwavering enforcement of their international obligations in the field of human rights, guaranteeing respect for the right to life, and also strive for the complete abolition of the death penalty.

The statement was jointly adopted by human rights organizations:

  • Belarusian Helsinki Committee

  • Human rights center "Viasna"

  • Belarusian Association of Journalists

  • Lawtrend

  • Belarusian PEN

  • Belarusian House of Human Rights named after Barys Zvozsky