Lukashenko expresses distrust of state law enforcement agencies

At a meeting to discuss the comprehensive review of the criminal and criminal procedural laws, President Lukashenko underscored that the law enforcers and other public officials from controlling and regulatory bodies did not always perform their duties in good faith.

Lukashenko is expressing distrust in the Belarusian law-enforcement system and is constraining criminal law from being liberalised especially in the fight against corruption. As the 2015 presidential elections draw closer, and, bearing in mind that this particular issue has triggered a constitutional change in Ukraine, Lukashenko is increasingly worried about potential tension in Belarusian society and low public trust in the law enforcement. He is ready to toughen penalties for corruption crimes and strengthen the anti-corruption campaign in law enforcement.