Self-proclaimed 'president' of Belarus Lukashenko has signed a law that introduces the death penalty for military and officials for treason — the "press service" of Alexander Lukashenko

Self-proclaimed 'president' of Belarus Lukashenko has signed a law that introduces the death penalty for military and officials for treason — the "press service" of Alexander Lukashenko

Lukashenko signed the so-called law "On Amendments to the Codes on Criminal Liability". The document's primary purpose is to allegedly strengthen the fight against extremist (terrorist) and anti-state crimes.

The law extends criminal liability for high treason committed by an official to all persons holding public office. 

Several "anti-state" crimes are subject to an additional penalty of a fine of up to 50,000 basic units - one basic unit is equivalent to 37 rubles from 1 January 2023. 

It also introduces criminal liability for "propaganda of terrorism, discrediting the Armed Forces, other troops and military formations, paramilitary organisations, and violation of the requirements for protecting state secrets".

The period of detention of persons suspected of committing high treason, conspiracy or other actions aimed at seizing state power, espionage and espionage activities was increased from three to ten days, as it is allegedly "necessary to ensure the highest quality of operational and investigative measures in the relevant cases".

At the same time, it is allegedly envisaged to exempt from criminal liability persons who were preparing to commit sabotage or attack internationally protected institutions but who renounced their intentions and assisted in preventing these crimes.