MINSK, 27 April (BelTA) – Members of the parliament suggest introducing capital punishment for attempts to commit acts of terrorism, BelTA learned from Marina Lenchevskaya, a member of the National Security Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus.
The seventh-convocation House of Representatives of the National Assembly have given the first reading and the second one to the bill on amending the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.
The bill has been worked out to deter destructive elements and demonstrate the state's resolve in fighting terrorist activities. The bill provides for amending the Criminal Code to introduce capital punishment for attempts to commit acts of terrorism.
Marina Lenchevskaya said: “Will you look at the complicated foreign political situation we live in now? And it is obvious that destabilization of the societal, political, and economic situation in our country continues. While it was less radical in the past, now we see concrete radical manifestations and radical appeals, which regretfully are supported by foreign countries and organizations. Law enforcement agencies register a significant number of terrorist intentions with regard to critical installations and infrastructure: transport infrastructure, military facilities, and power engineering installations. It is necessary to erect a clear legislative barrier today. Measures in response to such crimes must be adequate, proactive and preventive.”
Marina Lenchevskaya stressed that citizens of Belarus need to feel they are protected. The bill introduces capital punishment for attempts to commit a crime, which has not happened for reasons beyond control but could have resulted in serious extraordinary accidents and mass loss of life, she noted. In her words, this measure is absolutely adequate and must be legislated. “Let me remind you: if someone changes their mind after all and report preparations for a terrorist attack in time, he or she will be exempted from criminal prosecution in line with the criminal law. It is up to every person to decide,” she said.
Marina Lenchevskaya added: “In my opinion, this measure has been prompted by time and a number of circumstances. Public hearings have not been held but I think that citizens of Belarus will positively support these amendments because the security of every one of us is at stake. Look at what is going on in neighboring countries. Several facts of preparations for committing terrorist attacks have already been uncovered in Russia. Let me repeat it: this measure is necessary today.”
