According to Russian news agencies, Belarus is expanding the use of the death penalty. In the future, it could be imposed in the case of attempted terrorism, Interfax and RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday, citing a document on the Belarusian judiciary website. Head of state Alexander Lukashenko signed a corresponding law.
Reuters could not open the online page on Wednesday. So far, the death penalty could be imposed in the former Soviet Republic of Belarus for terrorist attacks resulting in death, brutal murder and multiple murders.
The Belarusian parliament had voted to expand the law after activists tried to destroy parts of the rail network. This should make it more difficult for Russia to bring soldiers to Ukraine via Belarus.
Belarus is a close ally of Russia and acknowledged that Russian soldiers advanced into Ukraine through its territory. However, Belarus is not directly involved in the invasion.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and describes the invasion as a special operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine. Western states, however, see it as a war of aggression.
