March 15, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has said that her country’s Constitution is full of contradictions.
She posted her statement to Telegram on Constitution Day, March 15.
Cichanoŭskaja said it “will become a real holiday when laws will protect citizens instead of being used for repression.”
“The Constitution of Belarus is full of contradictions. It enshrines the right to life, but the country is the last one in Europe to apply the death penalty. It says that everyone is equal before the law, but the president has immunity from criminal prosecution. It promises freedom of expression, but authorities throw pensioners in prisons for online comments,” she said.
In her opinion, Constitution Day can be truly celebrated when the country becomes free and democratic and has “independent judiciary, fair elections, and equal rights for all.”
“We bring this day closer with every joint effort,” she asserted.
Earlier, her aide Anatol Labiedźka told Pozirk that governments like the Belarusian one don’t respect the fundamental law. “For these regimes, the constitution is a small piece of paper, a roll of toilet paper,” he said.
At the same time, he praised the draft constitution already prepared by pro-democracy forces. “If it becomes a direct-action law, it will ensure a sufficiently high standard of living and protection for people. There will be a clear separation of powers, and the government will be accountable to voters and taxpayers,” Labiedźka said.
The Constitution of the independent Belarus was adopted by the 12th Supreme Soviet on March 15, 1994.
In November 1996, Alaksandar Łukašenka held a constitutional referendum to award himself sweeping powers.
