Belarus will punish with death even attempts to commit terrorist acts and sabotage.
This is due to changes in the Penal Code approved by President Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday, which will take effect in 10 days.
“The use of the death penalty is permitted as an exceptional measure of punishment – by shooting (until the abolition of the death penalty) for the crimes provided for in Part 2 of Article 124, Part 3 of Article 126, Part 3 of Article 289 and Part 2. of Article 359 of this Code, or for those related to intentional deprivation of human life in aggravating circumstances, some other particularly serious crimes, “the document said, citing Russia’s Interfax news agency.
These are acts of international terrorism, in particular, terrorism against a representative of a foreign state or international organization; terrorist acts committed by an organized group or with the use of nuclear energy facilities, the use of radioactive substances, highly toxic chemical or biological substances, or the killing of statesmen or public figures in connection with state or public activities.
In April, on the occasion of the consideration of the proposal, the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Vladimir Andreichenko said that since the beginning of the war there have been more frequent attempts at sabotage, which “provoke internal instability and conflict.”
“Actions are being taken to dismantle railway equipment and tracks, sites of strategic importance. There can be no justification for the actions of terrorists,” Andreichenko said, citing support for the changes.
Belarus has never abolished the death penalty, but so far it has been provided as the most severe measure for crimes committed, not for intent or preparation.
Terrorism was added as a crime punishable by death in 1997. Belarus is the only country in Europe that continues to use the death penalty.
