Фото: Пул первого
Aliaksandr Lukashenka said that judges are the most dependent people. He made the remark during a meeting with Igor Krasnov, chairman of Russia’s Supreme Court. At the same time, Lukashenka noted that judges are dependent on the law.
“Thank you for the assistance you provided us, Belarus, in your previous position, especially to business entities. And now you make decisions objectively, honestly and fairly. Therefore, for me personally, you are an island not only of legality but also of justice in our brotherly Russia. Thank you for this. I believe that in the future you will continue to cooperate with our chairman as well. Your working styles are roughly the same,” he said.
It should be noted that from 2020 to 2025, Igor Krasnov served as prosecutor general, as did the chairman of Belarus’ Supreme Court, Andrei Shved, at whose invitation he arrived in Minsk.
Lukashenka noted that the judicial branch is generally considered independent and autonomous.
“The most dependent people are judges, because they are dependent on the law. There is no room to move left or right. Judges act within the framework established by the law, including the supreme courts that you lead. We have lived by this principle for a long time. I think you, as a lawyer, understand better than I do that it is impossible to prescribe everything in law. No law can cover everything; life is far more diverse. Therefore, judges must possess a certain level of experience and judge fairly, as people say.
That is why I am grateful for the cooperation we have had so far. I am very pleased that we have developed such good and trusting relations. I welcome and support the events that will take place at the Supreme Court. This is very important for us,” he said.
During Krasnov’s visit, a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the supreme courts of the two countries is expected to be signed. The document sets out the rules and formats for future cooperation and is aimed at ensuring a unified approach to the administration of justice.
“And we, Andrei, need to observe what is being done in great Russia in this regard. Perhaps in some areas we can replicate that experience. I know that Igor Viktorovich will always respond to our request and support the improvement — not even reform, but the improvement — of the judicial system that we have,” Lukashenka said, addressing Shved.
He recalled that Supreme Court judges are now approved by the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly.
“You know that, on my initiative, the chairman of the Supreme Court is now approved by the people’s assembly — the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly. The same applies to Supreme Court judges. This gives them a very serious status. In many ways, this is connected to the personality of the current chairman. Such decisive steps must be taken only with a person who is highly reliable for the Belarusian people. This is the first time I am saying this to him: taking into account his personal qualities, his dedication to the cause he serves and to the Belarusian people, we undertook this serious, perhaps even profound, reform of the Supreme Court,” he said.
Lukashenka also noted the introduction of modern technologies in the courts. He said he supports the initiative.
“You are doing very serious work on computerisation and the introduction of all new technologies, high technologies, into the work of the courts. I support this. What I dislike most in the courts is the paperwork delays that have always been required of you and so on. Therefore, we would very much like you to take us along with you so that we can follow your lead in introducing high technologies into court operations throughout the entire system,” he added.
According to him, good contacts have been established with all Russian ministries and agencies.
“The presidents set the example. When we are friendly, what choice do you have? You also have to be friendly. Therefore, we very much hope that you will support us where necessary and help us. Likewise, you can always count on our assistance. We will always cooperate with you as closely as possible on all matters that you bring before the Belarusian judiciary,” he said.