The EU opposes the use of death penalty, a cruel punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent, the European External Action Service Spokesperson, says in Wednesday’s statement after a death sentence was handed down on 16 February 2016 to Syarhei Khmyaleuski by Minsk Regional Court.
“We call on Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to join a global moratorium as a first step towards the abolition of death penalty. Commuting the sentences of persons sentenced to death and launching a public debate on the death penalty with Belarusian society would be an important move in this regard,” the statement reads.
Mr. Khmyaleuski was convicted of a serious crime and we extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victims, the EEAS press service stresses.
Read also: Second death sentence per year passed in Belarus
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