Death penalty abolition is the main but not the sole condition to restore special guest status for Belarus in PACE. There will be also taken into account the issues related to media freedom, human rights and democracy. It was stated today, August 24, by Rapporteur on Belarus in PACE, Sinikka Hurskainen.
European politician stressed that when taking decision to abolish death penalty in Belarus, she considers necessary and natural to take public opinion into account. As it is known, at present the majority (80%) of Belarusians is in favor of death penalty preservation, BelTA informs.
Sinikka Hurskainen stressed that the purpose of her visit to Belarus was to gather information for the preparation of a new report on the situation in the country. European politician reminded that the previous report was made by Andrea Rigoni, and it contained concrete recommendations. New Rapporteur on Belarus in PACE intends to find out how these recommendations are being implemented.
Sinikka Hurskainen noted as a positive change the improvement in mass media work, in particular, mentioned that general discussion about the death penalty was organized in society and in the parliament.
When staying in Belarus, Sinikka Hurskainen will pay particular attention to the following three positions: human rights, democracy and the rule of law -key positions for PACE.
After a meeting with journalists Sinikka Hurskainen continued to dialogue with representatives of nongovernmental organizations. Her visit to Belarus to be completed on August 25.
