Belarus` Lukashenko grants himself judiciary power :: Charter'97 :: News

Belarus` authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko has issued a decree granting himself the right to pardon property-related crimes, making a foray into judiciary power, his press office said late Tuesday. Presidential pardon will now be an option for people who, having committed such crimes, have expressed regret, helped police solve the case, and compensated the damage they have caused, Lukashenko`s press office said.

"This decree gives people real possibilities to undo the damage they have caused the state or society, and to demonstrate through their actions that they are still full-fledged members of society", it said.

Criminals who been convicted of violent crimes will not be eligible for presidential pardon, the press office said.

Belarus human rights activist Oleg Gulak said the decree was merely a way for Lukashenko to extend his powers to the judiciary branch.

"Lukashenko further monopolizes all powers in the country, including judiciary powers ... With his decree, (he) asserts that only he can punish and pardon in this country," Gulak said.

"This decree is primarily intended for civil servants involved in corruption cases, who will not be sentenced if they return what they have stolen and remain loyal to the president," he added.

Lukashenko has during his 10 years at the helm of the impoverished and isolated former Soviet republic of Belarus earned stinging criticism from the West for suppressing liberties and cracking down on his political opponents.

Belarus is the only east European country excluded from the 46-member Council of Europe because of its failure to meet standards for democracy and human rights.