Belarusian Criminal Code Proposes to Add Article on Responsibility for Violence or Threat of Violence Against Outgoing President
On August 12, the national legal internet portal published a draft law «On Amending Codes on Issues of Criminal Liability», which caught the attention of the publication «Zerkalo». The draft law proposes to add a new article to the Belarusian Criminal Code that would hold individuals accountable for violence or threats of violence against a president who has ceased to hold office.
The proposed article, if adopted, would apply to any individual who commits or threatens to commit violence against a former president of Belarus, regardless of the reason for their departure from office. This includes presidents who have resigned, been impeached, or have reached the end of their term.
The draft law aims to protect the dignity and safety of former presidents, as well as to uphold the principles of the rule of law and respect for the state. It also serves as a deterrent to those who may seek to harm or intimidate a former president.
The proposed article has sparked debate among legal experts and the public. Some argue that it is necessary to protect former presidents from potential harm, while others question the need for such a law and its potential impact on freedom of speech and expression.
Those in favor of the proposed article point to the recent political unrest in Belarus, where outgoing President Alexander Lukashenko has faced widespread protests and calls for his resignation. They argue that the proposed law would provide additional protection for former presidents in such volatile situations.
However, critics argue that the proposed article could be used to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression. They also question the need for a specific law targeting violence against former presidents, as there are already laws in place to protect all citizens from violence.
The draft law has also raised concerns about its potential impact on the country’s international image and relations. Some fear that the proposed article could be seen as an attempt to silence opposition and could lead to further isolation of Belarus on the global stage.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time such a proposal has been made. In 2015, a similar draft law was introduced but was not adopted. The current draft law will now go through a series of readings and discussions before a final decision is made.
In conclusion, the proposed addition to the Belarusian Criminal Code is a controversial and highly debated topic. While it aims to protect former presidents from potential harm, it also raises concerns about its impact on freedom of speech and expression. As the draft law continues to be discussed and debated, it is important for all parties to consider the potential consequences and ensure that the final decision is in line with the principles of justice and democracy.
