President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held a working meeting with Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo today, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held a working meeting with Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo today, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The Head of State noted that he would like to discuss tactical and strategic issues of the courts' work. "Speaking of tactics, these are specific issues, problems, including criminal cases that are under the President's control. As for strategy, there is a lot of talk now about how we need to somehow restructure our socio-political system, change the situation in the country. Changes, changes... True, no one says what kind of changes they want. But I know very well who wants them and what kind of changes they want. Therefore, we will discuss this with you. Life is life precisely because it must constantly change," Alexander Lukashenko explained.
The President said that work is currently underway on the third version of the Constitution of Belarus, and asked the Chairman of the Supreme Court to join this work. "I want you, as an experienced person, to have your say," the Head of State added. "And regarding the courts. Many desire - and within the judiciary itself - a certain independence. Although I am ready to argue with anyone that the most independent court is in Belarus. Let no one laugh. You know how much I protect you from all sorts of pressure or telephone requests and conversations. I often say that everything depends on the judges: if they want to be dependent on someone, then they will respond, figuratively speaking, to these calls. You have never received any secret calls from me, everything is open with us. If the President controls a criminal case, I say so openly, and you do too."
"Therefore, I believe that, despite our somewhat authoritarian system of public life organization, the President nevertheless protects and safeguards the courts. But this is a personal aspect, and we need to ensure that a system works, not tied to individuals, including Lukashenko. Therefore, I think that in the new Constitution, we will adequately reflect the system of our courts, based on our experience over the last quarter of a century. But responsibly: if you submit a proposal, you sign for it," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.
Touching upon the activities of the judicial system, Valentin Sukalo noted that the overall situation within it is currently stable and operational, despite some tension in the city courts. "The judicial system fulfills the constitutional duties assigned to it," he stressed.