Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Belarus should draw on some western legal norms

MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested introducing some regulations that are in effect in western countries into the Belarusian legislation as he hosted a government meeting to discuss legislation improvement in the country on 28 January, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that people who broke the law should be dealt with using legal instruments, as is done all over the world. In recent years, much has been done to liberalize legal norms in the country. “However, the recent events raise an important question: haven’t we gone too far? Legislation should not only promptly respond to violations, it should also anticipate possible threats. And this is the most important thing,” the president said.

At the suggestion of the public, a number of vital norms have already been introduced into the new codes of administrative procedure, as well as in amendments to the criminal legislation. “Is this enough or do we need to do more, for example, in combating extremism, terrorism? Maybe we should as well return to the legislation on mass events and other legal norms related to public security? Maybe we should study the legislation of France, Germany or Russia?” the head of state asked.

“And in general, I suggest that you simply incorporate these norms from the French, German or Russian legislation or legislation of other countries into our legal setting. Then no one will reproach us. We will draw on legal norms of the stronghold of civilization and adapt them in our country,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“So let’s learn from the experience of Germany, France, the United States of America. Just do not shoot at the woman who went through four wars and defended the interests of the United States of America [Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who served 14 years in the military and participated in a number of armed conflicts in various countries]. This is what we should not learn from them,” the head of state added.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the importance of defending the country. “As I have already said, we will not be able to get back what we lose. This will mean the end for our nation, us, and our children, grandchildren, and so on. Today we should set it out in our legal norms and communicate it to people so that everyone understands it,” the president said.

According to the president, it is necessary to spell out responsibility and punishment for each violation: “If you block traffic (it mostly happens in Minsk), you will get this punishment. If you take part in an unauthorized rally and start violating public order, you will get a warning and a fine. If you do it again, you will get a prison sentence. The same way we actually did before.”

The head of state once again drew attention to the responsibility of parents: “Parents whose children take to the streets should be put in the crosshairs. So that later we are not accused of crushing or hitting anyone.”

“And again, let’s be honest: we have also screwed up plenty of times, everyone sitting at this table. Therefore, let’s work to correct our mistakes so that people will see that we hear even a minority, an insignificant minority... And those who raised their hand against the country and the people should be left without a hand,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.

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