Belarus expands death penalty law, upping threat to opposition
- Strongman Lukashenko is allowing capital punishment for ‘attempted’ terrorism, drawing backlash from human rights groups and government critics
- Authorities have been actively bringing terrorism charges against opposition figures after mass protests against Lukashenko’s victory in a disputed election
Belarus on Wednesday expanded the death penalty law to include “attempted terrorism”, in a move that could radically ramp up the government’s pressure on the country’s beleaguered opposition.
Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a law allowing the death penalty for an attempt to commit a terrorist attack. Previously, it could not be handed down for “an unfinished crime.” Belarus’ leading human rights groups and opposition politicians have spoken out against the law.
Belarus is the only country in Europe where the death penalty is still in place.
The new law amends Belarus’ Criminal Code and applies in cases of plotted acts of international terrorism and murders of government officials or public figures. It has been approved by the country’s parliament.
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Belarus protests enter ninth week, as President Lukashenko meets political opponents in jail
Authorities in Belarus started actively bringing terrorism charges against opposition figures after Lukashenko won his sixth term in office in a disputed 2020 presidential election, triggering a wave of mass street protests that drew up to 200,000 people.