Belarus' Dark Secret: Killing The Homeless

Belarus is known for its authoritarian rule and harsh treatment of dissidents. The country has been labelled a pariah state, and its government has been criticised by international organisations for its use of capital punishment. In 2020, a wave of anti-government protests broke out after the authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, claimed an 80% election victory. The opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, fled the country for her safety. In 2021, Belarusian authorities forced a Ryanair flight to divert to Minsk, where they detained opposition blogger Roman Protasevich, who had spent much of the previous summer managing Telegram channels broadcasting mass protests against Lukashenko. In addition to political repression, Belarus has also been criticised for its treatment of animals and the homeless. While violent crimes against travellers are rare, homelessness is met with extreme punishment. The country has no anti-cruelty laws, and homeless animals and people are often euthanised.

Capital punishment in Belarus

Capital punishment, also known as an Exceptional Measure of Punishment, is a legal penalty in Belarus. The death penalty has been part of the country's legal system since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The current national constitution prescribes this punishment for "grave crimes". The death penalty can be imposed for crimes against the state or individuals, and a few non-violent crimes are also punishable by death. Belarus is the only country in Europe that continues to carry out the death penalty. Executions are carried out by a single shot to the back of the head.

The Belarusian government has faced criticism from international organisations, such as the United Nations, for its methods of carrying out capital punishment. The use of capital punishment is a factor in Belarus not being admitted to the Council of Europe. Following a referendum, the government took steps to change the way capital punishment is imposed and carried out. Article 24 of the Constitution of Belarus states:

> "Until its abolition, the death sentence may be applied in accordance with the law as an exceptional penalty for especially grave crimes and only in accordance with the verdict of a court of law."

The Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus outlines the acts for which capital punishment can be imposed, including launching or conducting aggressive war, international terrorism, genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder under aggravating circumstances. Court proceedings for capital cases must involve a "collegial consideration", consisting of one judge and two People's assessors chosen from the general population.

Over time, Belarus has reduced the number of offences eligible for the death penalty and the types of convicts eligible for it. Women, for example, have been ineligible for capital punishment since 1994, and individuals under 18 or over 65 are exempt. The introduction of life imprisonment in 1997 has also contributed to a decrease in the number of capital offences.

The exact number of executions in Belarus is not known, but it is estimated that about 350 people have been sentenced to death and executed since independence. The last confirmed execution was carried out in July 2022, and there have been recent steps towards reducing the imposition of the death penalty in the country. However, in 2023, Belarusian lawmakers approved a bill that punishes high treason among officials and military personnel with the death penalty.

The death penalty for non-violent crimes

Belarus is known for its strict stance on law and order, with capital punishment being a legal penalty in the country. Although the death penalty is primarily imposed for violent crimes, a few non-violent crimes can also be punishable by death. This makes Belarus the only country in Europe that continues to carry out the death penalty.

The death penalty, also known as an Exceptional Measure of Punishment, has been a part of Belarus's legal system since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The national constitution prescribes this punishment for "grave crimes," which can be committed against the state or individuals. While most death penalty convictions are for murder under aggravating circumstances, a few non-violent crimes can also result in capital punishment.

The specific crimes for which the death penalty can be imposed are outlined in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. These include launching or conducting an aggressive war, international terrorism, genocide, crimes against humanity, treason connected with murder, conspiracy to seize state power, and sabotage. Belarus has been criticized by international organizations, such as the United Nations, for its methods of carrying out capital punishment.

It is important to note that the number of offenses eligible for the death penalty has been reduced over the years. Additionally, women, persons under 18 at the time of the crime, and those over 65 at the time of sentencing are exempt from capital punishment. While public opinion in Belarus largely supports the retention of the death penalty, international organizations and human rights groups continue to advocate for its abolition, citing concerns over cruel and inhumane punishment.

The killing of homeless people's pets

The Killing of Homeless Peoples' Pets

The killing of homeless peoples' pets is a tragic issue that has been reported in Belarus. This practice has serious ethical implications and negatively impacts both the homeless population and their beloved companions. The situation reflects a lack of animal welfare laws and a disregard for the well-being of both humans and animals in vulnerable situations.

In Belarus, there have been reports of a disturbing trend in the treatment of homeless animals. In the city of Babruysk, several media outlets exposed the shocking euthanasia of homeless animals in a shelter without providing prior sedation. This incident highlights the absence of even fundamental anti-cruelty laws in the country, leading to unnecessary animal suffering.

The problem extends beyond stray animals, as Belarus also has a significant problem with the control of its stray dog population. This has resulted in the killing of approximately 80,000 homeless cats and dogs annually. The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of no-kill shelters and ineffective population management strategies. Animals that find themselves in shelters are immediately euthanized if they are ill, and healthy animals are usually put down after a week if they are not adopted.

Belarusian animal welfare organizations such as Egida and Zoochance have actively proposed legislative changes to improve the treatment of animals. They advocate for no-kill shelters, a ban on cruel animal treatment, and the promotion of compassion towards homeless animals. Additionally, these organizations suggest prohibiting the reproduction of mongrels and imposing a special reproduction tax on purebred animals.

However, these efforts have faced significant resistance within Belarus. For instance, a volunteer who live-streamed her visit to an animal shelter in Orsha was fined by the Orsha court, which classified her live stream as "illegal media production and distribution." This incident demonstrates the reluctance of shelters to welcome visitors and the government's lack of encouragement for pet adoption.

The killing of homeless peoples' pets in Belarus is a dire situation that warrants immediate attention and action. It is essential to recognize the intrinsic value of all life and implement measures that respect and protect both human and animal welfare. By addressing this issue, Belarus has the opportunity to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.

The killing of homeless animals

There is currently no legislation in Belarus that prevents animal suffering caused by deliberate acts or negligence. The only relevant legislation produced is Law 3423-XII of 2nd December 1994, which mentions in its preamble that it aims to protect animals' health but does not contain any provisions on welfare or anti-cruelty measures. This lack of legislation has led to shocking incidents, such as the euthanisation of homeless animals in Babruysk without prior sedation.

Belarusian animal welfare organisations like Egida and Zoochance have proposed legislative changes to improve animal treatment, including the implementation of no-kill shelters and a ban on cruel animal treatment. They also advocate for the government to promote compassion towards homeless animals and address the issue of stray populations through spaying and neutering campaigns rather than culling.

The government has been urged by international organisations to enact a comprehensive animal welfare act that recognises animal sentience, defines animal welfare according to OIE standards, and prohibits animal cruelty. Additionally, specific recommendations have been made to ban the worst forms of confinement for farm animals, mandate humane slaughter, and outlaw fur farming and the use of animals for entertainment, such as in circuses.

The death penalty for treason

Treason is punishable by death in Belarus. The country's constitution states that the death penalty may be applied as an exceptional penalty for "grave crimes", and treason is among the list of acts that qualify as grave crimes. Belarus is the only European country to have carried out executions in the 21st century.

History of the Death Penalty in Belarus

Belarus has had the death penalty as part of its legal system since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The number of offences eligible for the death penalty has been reduced over the years, with four economic crimes that would have resulted in death sentences during the Soviet era being removed from the list of capital offences in 1993. Additionally, the introduction of life imprisonment in 1997 also contributed to a decrease in the number of capital offences.

Public Opinion on the Death Penalty

A 1996 referendum found that 80.44% of Belarusians were against abolishing the death penalty. However, at the time of the referendum, the maximum prison sentence was only 15 years, and life imprisonment had not yet been introduced. There have not been more recent surveys to determine whether this sentiment has changed now that life imprisonment is a possible sentence.

International Criticism of Belarus's Use of the Death Penalty

International organisations, such as the United Nations, have criticised Belarus's methods of carrying out capital punishment. The country's use of the death penalty has also been a factor in its inability to gain membership in the Council of Europe. In 2000, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe condemned "in the strongest possible terms the executions in Belarus" and expressed disappointment that Belarus was the only country in Europe where the death penalty was enforced.

Process of Carrying Out the Death Penalty in Belarus

Before being executed, all prisoners on death row are transferred to Minsk Detention Center No. 1 in the country's capital. Executions are carried out by a single shot to the back of the head, and the remains of the condemned are buried secretly. The family is notified that the execution has taken place, but they are not informed of the location of the grave.

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