MINSK. July 21 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed into law a bill introducing the institute of criminal proceedings in absentia against defendants staying outside the country, the presidential press service said on Thursday.
As reported, the Belarusian president signed a law on amendments to the Belarusian Criminal Procedure Code, which "establishes an institute of special (in absentia) proceedings in criminal cases against defendants staying outside Belarus and evading appearance before the body conducting the criminal proceedings."
"At the same time, it establishes a list of corpus delicti for which special proceedings may be initiated against a defendant. These include, in particular, an act of terrorism, genocide, mercenarism, high treason, sabotage, the creation of extremist groups or participation in them, unrest, and calls for sanctions," the statement said.
Additionally, taking into account the law enforcement practice, the procedure for appealing court decisions in criminal proceedings is being improved. "The cassation stage of proceedings is introduced along with the appeal stage by considering complaints and appeals in the presidiums of regional and Minsk city courts (this will provide greater access to the tools of appeal for citizens who do not agree with the court rulings, and increase the effectiveness of the review of such decisions, which have taken legal effect). It also establishes the possibility of appealing sentences handed down by the Supreme Court, acting as a first-instance court," the statement said.