The Lower House voted in first reading to introduce the death penalty specifically for officers or soldiers found guilty of treason.
Belarusian MPs have approved in first reading a bill that would impose the death penalty on officers and soldiers found guilty of treason and make defamation of the military a criminal offense punishable by up to four years in prison.
The country’s legislation still provides for the death penalty for crimes such as homicide or for people who commit, plan or intend to commit acts of terrorism. Executions are carried out with a single shot to the back of the head.
The Lower House voted in first reading to introduce the death penalty specifically for officers or soldiers found guilty of treason.
The bill still needs to pass a second reading in the Lower House, be voted on by the Upper House and signed into law by President Alexander Lukashenko.
The second legislative change – to introduce prison sentences for those who “defame” the Belarusian army – is similar to a new law passed in Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine this year.
Belarus has not sent its own troops to Ukraine, but has allowed Russia to use its territory as a rearguard base for its invasion in February and allows Russian warplanes and drones to use its airspace to launch attacks in Ukraine.
“We will not tolerate those who defame and lie about uniformed men who are now defending us and our country. Accountability will be harsh and inevitable,” MP Oleg Gaidukevich said, according to parliament.
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