On October 10, World Day Against the Death Penalty is observed. The Belarusian leader released a statement regarding the prospects of this type of punishment in Belarus:
“Belarus remains the only country in Europe where the death penalty is used as the exceptional measure of punishment. Every year, Lukashenka only extends the possible use of the death penalty. He believes that he has the right to determine the fate of people and justifies it by saying that the existence of the death penalty deters crime.
Human life and the right to it are the greatest value that every state must respect. The civilized world has long recognized this and established it in its laws. And democratic Belarus must follow its example.
I strongly condemn the use of the death penalty and believe that it must be abolished. We want to see Belarus as a European country where human rights are respected and justice is served according to the principles of fairness and humanity. Therefore, after the democratic transition of power, our country must abandon this type of punishment forever”.
