Criminal
A 1999 criminal code with the death penalty retained
The Criminal Code of 1999 applies with a procedure code of the same year. Belarus is the only European state still executing, by shooting and without notice to the family, and the 2022 amendments extended capital liability to attempted acts of terrorism.
Key rules
- Detention may last up to 72 hours before a decision on remand.
- Remand is authorised by the prosecutor rather than a judge in the ordinary case.
- The death penalty applies to a list of aggravated offences and to attempted terrorism since 2022.
- Extremism designations attach criminal liability to participation in or funding of listed formations.
Governing law
- Criminal Code (1999)
- Criminal Procedure Code (1999)
- Law amending the Criminal Code (2022)Capital liability for attempted terrorism.
Penalties and consequences
- Fines in base units and corrective labour.
- Restriction of liberty in an open regime, and imprisonment up to 25 years.
- Life imprisonment, and the death penalty by shooting.
In practice
Because remand is authorised by a prosecutor and not a court, habeas-style review is limited, and the practical protection is documenting the detention time and demanding counsel at the first interview.