Aleksandr Lukashenko hears out report of Investigation Committee Chairman Valery Vakulchik

President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Chairman of the Investigation Committee Valery Vakulchik on 27 August to receive his report.

The head of state was primarily interested in the problems the formation and operation of the Investigation Committee had encountered: “I am most of all worried by what we have failed to do and by what we did not do well while forming the Investigation Committee and by what we have yet to accomplish. It is important not to worsen the crime solving situation”.

According to Valery Vakulchik, the time that has passed since the formation of the new agency has allowed seeing problems as well as real reserves in the operation of the Investigation Committee.

The head of state was also informed about efforts of the Investigation Committee to improve pre-trial procedures. In particular, the possibility of introducing plea bargaining is under consideration. International experience has been studied, including that of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. A conclusion has been made that rights and obligations of the sides have to be more clearly specified by the legislation. A specific procedure is being worked out. In essence the procedure will enable the possibility of reducing punishment for the crime if the defendant cooperates with the prosecution. The Chairman of the Investigation Committee believes that the measure will take into account interests of citizens on the one hand and will optimize the work of investigators while relieving prosecutors and judges on the other hand. Aleksandr Lukashenko gave instructions to discuss the proposal with interested agencies.

Apart from that, Valery Vakulchik informed Aleksandr Lukashenko about the progress in investigating the crimes that had received a major public response.