Capital punishment is a legal penalty in Belarus. At least one execution was carried out in the country in 2022.[1]
Also known as an Exceptional Measure of Punishment (Russian: Исключительная Мера Наказания, ИМН),[2] the death penalty has been a part of the country's legal system since gaining independence from the Soviet Union on August 25, 1991. The current national constitution prescribes this punishment for "grave crimes." Later laws have clarified the specific crimes for which capital punishment can be used. The death penalty can be imposed for crimes that occur against the state or against individuals. A few non-violent crimes can also be punishable by death. As of 2024[update], Belarus is the only country in Europe that continues to carry out the death penalty.[3] Executions are carried out by a single shot to the back of the head.
Following a referendum on the issue, the Belarusian government took steps to change the way capital punishment is imposed and carried out.[4] International organisations, such as the United Nations, have criticised the methods Belarus uses when carrying out capital punishment. The use of capital punishment is one factor keeping the country out of the Council of Europe.[5]