28.11.2011
Punishment should be imminent, but honest and fair, Lukashenko says
MINSK, 28 November (BelTA) - The Investigation Committee should be independent and fair, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said while appointing the executive members of the Investigation Committee on 28 November, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.
“I want you to understand: this is a very serious matter. We need an independent Investigation Committee accountable to law only. We have always had problems in our country. Yet people will survive difficult times and forgive us if we make a mistake. But they will never forgive the violation of their rights or, God forbid, ruining a human life. No one will never forget the unjust attitude on the part of the state (in this case, the state is you, investigators) during investigation of this or that crime and a subsequent unfair court verdict,” the President said.
The head of state stressed: “We should do our best to avoid such incidents. If you see that there is not enough evidence to prove the person is guilty, then it is better to drop charges. Nothing should be done just for the sake of appearance,” the President emphasized. “You are the arbiters of people’s fates,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
The head of state also commented on the impact of out-of-office relations: “There are no relations here: I am your friend, you are my friend, so let us solve the issue. We should put an end to such practices.” He noted that this is the explanation why Valery Vakulchik was appointed head of the Investigation Committee. “Perhaps, some people thought that he has no experience. But I need an honest person here. His service has been immaculate,” the President said.
“I urge you to be impartial and thorough. But a thief should be in prison,” Alexander Lukashenko said. A criminal, an offender should be held accountable for his actions. If he does not, the number of crimes will increase. Punishment should be inevitable, but honest and fair,” the President stressed.
“I want you to understand: this is a very serious matter. We need an independent Investigation Committee accountable to law only. We have always had problems in our country. Yet people will survive difficult times and forgive us if we make a mistake. But they will never forgive the violation of their rights or, God forbid, ruining a human life. No one will never forget the unjust attitude on the part of the state (in this case, the state is you, investigators) during investigation of this or that crime and a subsequent unfair court verdict,” the President said.
The head of state stressed: “We should do our best to avoid such incidents. If you see that there is not enough evidence to prove the person is guilty, then it is better to drop charges. Nothing should be done just for the sake of appearance,” the President emphasized. “You are the arbiters of people’s fates,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
The head of state also commented on the impact of out-of-office relations: “There are no relations here: I am your friend, you are my friend, so let us solve the issue. We should put an end to such practices.” He noted that this is the explanation why Valery Vakulchik was appointed head of the Investigation Committee. “Perhaps, some people thought that he has no experience. But I need an honest person here. His service has been immaculate,” the President said.
“I urge you to be impartial and thorough. But a thief should be in prison,” Alexander Lukashenko said. A criminal, an offender should be held accountable for his actions. If he does not, the number of crimes will increase. Punishment should be inevitable, but honest and fair,” the President stressed.