Miory Regional Executive Committee

Press Secretary of the President of Belarus Natalia Eismont after the meeting held by the head of state on the topic of improving legislation on criminal liability told journalists about the main highlights of the event, reports a BELTA correspondent.

Natalia Eismont noted that two socially significant issues were under consideration: the implementation of an amnesty and the improvement of criminal liability measures for certain categories of offenses, particularly less serious ones. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivan Kubrakov, and the Chairman of the Supreme Court, Valentin Sukalo, presented their reports. "The head of state endorsed the speakers' approaches regarding the main topics discussed today," Natalia Eismont stated.

According to her, the discussion, lasting approximately two hours, was centered on two fundamental principles whose observance the head of state has repeatedly emphasized. "The individual approach and the principle of justice – these were the focal points of the President's remarks throughout the entire meeting," the press secretary stressed.

Alexander Lukashenko specifically drew the attention of responsible officials to certain aspects. "For instance, the President addressed the activities of the Pardon Commission under the President of the Republic of Belarus. The President’s principles and requirements are as follows: the commission’s work must be continuously improved, and the President expects concrete proposals from it," Natalia Eismont pointed out. Undoubtedly, any proposals put forward by the commission to the head of state must be grounded in the principles of justice and individualized consideration.

During the meeting, the activities of law enforcement agencies and their respective structural subdivisions, namely inspectorates for juvenile affairs and the Department for the Execution of Punishments, were also discussed.

"Issues related to drug-related offenses were discussed separately. In this regard, the role of juvenile affairs commissions is clear, and it is evident that the President expects enhanced performance from these bodies. This message was clearly conveyed today," the press secretary added.

In this regard, the work of law enforcement agencies must strictly adhere to the principle of fairness. Any manifestations of the so-called tick-box system are absolutely unacceptable. "The President has addressed this on several previous occasions, and today he reiterated it specifically to the Minister of Internal Affairs," Natalia Eismont noted.

The work of correctional facilities and the Department of Execution of Punishments was discussed at a meeting in connection with the upcoming amnesty and pardons. The President sees the need to strengthen the role of correctional institutions and take their input into account when making decisions on amnesty or pardon, as it is precisely there that they have direct knowledge of the behavior of those serving sentences.

A separate topic is employment, particularly regarding those who are pardoned or amnestied. "This must be unconditional and implemented without fail. The President emphasized this point and announced a comprehensive discussion on employment matters at the highest level, at the presidential level," Natalia Eismont said.

The Head of State also stressed the importance of maintaining oversight and registration of individuals who will be released as a result of the amnesty. "They will be released from detention facilities under specific conditions. Oversight regarding compliance with these conditions must be strict. Otherwise, as the President stated, the response will be immediate and firm," the press secretary remarked. "Regardless of all lenient approaches and the principles of fairness upon which we operate, the issue of security is undoubtedly placed at the forefront by the President."

Source: belta.by