Lukashenko signed law on strengthening responsibility for crimes against the state

On March 9th, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, signed the Law On Amending Codes on Criminal Liability – as reported in the Belarusian leader’s press service

The main purpose of the document is to strengthen counteraction to extremist (terrorist) and anti-state crimes.

The law envisages 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 military personnel, the possibility of applying an exceptional measure of punishment – the death penalty – is introduced.

For a range 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. This measure is designed to ensure unconditional compensation for the harm caused by such acts, and to deprive the perpetrators of the means to continue their criminal activities.

Criminal liability is introduced for propaganda of terrorism, discrediting the Armed Forces, other troops and military formations, paramilitary organisations, as well as violation of requirements for the protection of state secrets.

The period of detention of persons suspected of committing treason, conspiracy or other actions to seize state power, espionage and undercover activities is being increased from three to ten days, which is necessary to ensure the highest quality of operational and investigative measures in relevant cases.

At the same time, the document envisages the release from criminal liability of persons who prepared to attack institutions enjoying international protection, or to commit sabotage, but abandoned their intentions and assisted in the prevention of these crimes.

Certain adjustments are also made to the Code of Criminal Procedure, due to the practice of its application.