Statement by the Spokesperson on two executions in Belarus

The execution of Aliaksandr Zhylnikau has taken place in Belarus in June 2019; according to reports there is a high probability that Viachaslau Sukharka was also executed. The European Union expresses its sincere sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the crimes committed. At the same time, the EU reaffirms its strong opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and calls on Belarus to introduce a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition.

The death penalty violates the inalienable right to life enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The continued application of the death penalty goes counter Belarus' international commitments. Belarus is the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment.