Viktor Ryabtsev sworn in as judge of Belarus’ Constitutional Court

Viktor Ryabtsev was sworn in as a judge of the Constitutional Court of Belarus on 2 February.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented Viktor Ryabtsev with an identity document of the judge of the Constitutional Court as well as a gift-wrapped copy of the Constitution of Belarus. The ceremony was also attended by the chairmen of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Viktor Ryabtsev every success in the new responsible job. “You are an outstanding scientist, researcher. I think that you will be a good expert and fighter for the rights of our people, a guarantor of the observation of the Constitution in the Constitutional Court,” the head of state said.

The President also pointed out the importance of the tradition to hold public swearing-in ceremonies for the judges of the Constitutional Court. “The main thing is that it once again reminds the people in our country and abroad about the democratic nature of our state system,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

The head of state stressed that it is often required to introduce an ombudsman to ensure the observation of human rights in Belarus. “Although we do not have such a position, I always say that the human rights – the right to decent life, labor, education, healthcare, the acquisition of information, freedom of mass media, freedom of speech - will be observed only in case the president is the chief human rights inspector,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

“You should be with me. Using this power, we must ensure the observation of the fundamental rights of our citizens. This is the main thing,” the head of state added.