06 January 2026, 11:21

Lukashenko honors Valentin Sukalo, Piotr Miklashevich with Order of the Fatherland

MINSK, 6 January (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented state awards to Valentin Sukalo, Chairman of the Supreme Court (1997–2025), and Piotr Miklashevich, Chairman of the Constitutional Court (2008–2025). The ceremony took place at the Palace of Independence on 6 January, BelTA has learned.

The head of state awarded Valentin Sukalo the Order of the Fatherland, 2nd Class, and Piotr Miklashevich the Order of the Fatherland, 3rd Class. They were honored for their many years of fruitful work, high professionalism, and significant personal contribution to improving the judicial system and strengthening constitutional legality.

Valentin Sukalo dedicated more than 50 years to the justice system, leading the Supreme Court of Belarus for 28 years. Under his leadership, several stages of judicial and legal reform were carried out: general and commercial courts were merged, military courts were abolished, the Economic Court of Appeal was established, and a regulatory framework for court operations was developed. Buildings for many courts were constructed, an automated court system was introduced, access to justice for citizens was simplified, and the authority of the judiciary in society was enhanced.

Piotr Miklashevich headed the Constitutional Court from 2008 to 2025, having previously served as Prosecutor General and First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court. He led the Constitutional Commission for drafting amendments to the Constitution and currently chairs the Council on Legal and Judicial Activities under the Belarusian President. During his tenure as head of the Constitutional Court, the role of the body was elevated, constitutional oversight of legislation was strengthened, procedures for constitutional proceedings were consolidated, and citizens were granted the right to file individual constitutional complaints.