The authoritarian former Soviet republic of Belarus has expanded the use of the death penalty. Legislative changes passed by ruler Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday mean that people can now be sentenced to death for allegations of an attempted terrorist attack. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the law could also mean “pro-democracy activists and those who oppose Russia’s war in Ukraine” could face the death penalty. “The Lukashenko regime continues to suppress the pro-democracy and anti-war movements in Belarus, including through these recent penal code changes.” According to Blinken, the regime has filed charges of “extremism” and “terrorism” against many of the more than 1,100 political prisoners.
Belarus – Extension of the death penalty – Politics
