Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2009. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Belarus: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2009, Official Report, columns 20-21W, on Belarus: human rights, what reports he has received of the death sentence passed in Belarus on 29 June 2009; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The EU raised this case with the Belarusian authorities on 8 July 2009. We are disappointed that the death penalty was imposed following earlier efforts by the Belarusian authorities to reduce its use. Belarus is the last country in Europe to use the death penalty; its abolition would be an important step in improving EU—Belarus relations. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe passed a resolution on 23 June 2009 supporting the lifting of the suspension of Belarus' special guest status after a moratorium on the execution of death penalties.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 496 c450-1W; 285359
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Belarus: Human Rights
Monday, 23 March 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Human rights Belarus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk