Supreme Court Belarus
The Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus serves as the highest judicial authority in the country, acting as the final court of review for general civil and criminal matters. Established in 1991, it oversees the activities of lower courts and ensures the uniform application of law across Belarus.
Key Features:
Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court handles appeals and reviews decisions from lower courts in civil and criminal cases. Constitutional matters, however, are addressed by the separate Constitutional Court of Belarus.
Composition: The court is led by the Chairman, supported by deputy chairpersons and judges. As of recent records, the Chairman is Valentin Sukalo, who has held the position since January 1997.
Appointment of Judges: Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of Belarus.
Recent Developments:
In 2021, the Belarusian government intensified actions against non-governmental organizations (NGOs), leading to the dissolution of nearly 40 organizations by the Ministry of Justice. This campaign was described as a "total purge on civil society." Among the affected organizations was the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, forcibly liquidated by the Supreme Court on October 1, 2021, using materials from unspecified criminal cases.
These actions have drawn international criticism, leading to sanctions against Belarusian officials, including judges of the Supreme Court, for their roles in suppressing civil liberties and undermining democratic processes.
Understanding the structure and recent activities of the Supreme Court of Belarus provides insight into the country's legal system and the broader context of its judicial processes.
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