Statement by the Spokesperson on the decision of the Belarus Supreme Court to uphold the death sentence against Aliaksei Mikhalenia

The Belarusian Supreme Court has upheld yet another death sentence, this time against Aliaksei Mikhalenia.

The continued application of the death penalty runs counter to Belarus' stated willingness to engage with the international community, including the European Union, on the matter.

The European Union reaffirms its strong opposition to capital punishment and urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to commute the remaining death sentences and to introduce without delay a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.