MINSK, 4 November (BelTA) – Punishment for drug-related crime should be fair and it should be determined case by case, Head of the Belarus President Administration Natalya Kochanova told the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.
“I have met with women representing the Mothers 328 movement. They are fully aware that their children committed a crime and are guilty, they admit that their children should be punished. However, punishment should be commensurate and proportional. After all, justice is at the heart of the president's policy. Everything should be fair; cases should be processed clearly and objectively, so that no one would question their integrity,” Natalya Kochanova said.
“This year, the Belarus President Administration has received over 120 appeals on drug-related crime. Upon the instruction of the head of state we have met with people who had something to say on this matter. Absolutely all the questions and proposals were later voiced at the meeting with the president. It was emphasized that drug dealers should be harshly punished, as it is a crime against a person, against our people. As to young people (underage guys who happened to be involved in this crime), the punishment should be approached on a case by case basis. The head of state set a task to carefully study all the matters and put forward proposals to the president soon,” she informed.
Natalya Kochanova emphasized the importance of preventive work that should be done by several stakeholders at a time. This work should involve the Education Ministry, the Healthcare Ministry and law enforcement. Naturally, the family should also play an important part. Sometimes parents believe that if their child is a straight A student, there cannot be any issues with him/her. However, issues might arise. Therefore, parents should always be on the alert, Natalya Kochanova emphasized.
