Łukašenka greenlights trials in absentia for economic crimes

November 29, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka approved the option of using special proceedings for economic crimes, Investigative Committee Chairman Dźmitryj Hara has said after meeting the Belarusian strongman on November 29.

The Pul Pervogo Telegram channel run by Łukašenka’s press office quoted Hara as saying that special proceedings can now be initiated “against people who committed economic crimes, causing huge damage to citizens and state organizations, and who still have quite big assets here, which will allow them to compensate for the damage.”

Special proceedings are criminal proceedings against those living abroad and evading contact with investigators. They can lead to trials in absentia and loss of citizenship. Originally, this had the purpose of intimidating the regime’s opponents abroad.