Meeting with Supreme Court Chairman Valentin Sukalo

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave an instruction to prepare a draft amnesty law in connection with the 75^th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from Nazi invaders. He made at the statement at the meeting with Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo on 25 February.

At the meeting the head of state invited the chairman of the Supreme Court to discuss certain problems which, perhaps, exist in the court system. This topic will be also discussed in detail at the ceremony to open the new building of the Supreme Court. “Please tell when the new building will be opened, we will invite judges. The President’s meeting with the judiciary establishment could be held at the same time,” the Belarusian leader said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, it is absolutely inadmissible for judges to violate the law. “I would like you to take a closer look at the judiciary establishment. Too many violations of the law by judges have been reported in recent time. I understand that black sheep occur in all families, people are different. But when you get information about judges’ malpractices, it is an outrage,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “Therefore, we should warn them once again, to remind them that all people are equal before the law. This pertains to judges, executive authorities, legislators. No exception.”

The President remarked that he often speaks about the importance of justice, and judges should embrace this idea and meet a corresponding demand in the society. “Our people are very sensitive in this regard. I always make reference to Russia. People are used to all kinds of things there. Nevertheless, the demand for justice in Russia is constantly on the rise. I am not speaking about Belarusians. This trend is even more pronounced here,” he said.

According to the head of state, the judiciary establishment is like litmus paper. “Please pay serious attention to it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President also asked Valentin Sukalo to evaluate the operation of the law enforcement system, especially the Investigation Committee, in the run-up to a corresponding session. “You can see the reflection of all things like in a mirror. And I want you to be ready to speak at this government conference to express the position of the judiciary branch in general,” he added.

Besides, the meeting focused on a number of issues which are monitored by the President, high-profile criminal cases. “I want to know what you think about these cases. I want to know your vision, your assessment,” the head of state remarked.