Alyaksandr Lukashenka, while administering the oath to judges of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, also addressed events in Venezuela. He cited as an example the actions of the Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court.
“In our quiet, calm society (God willing, that it remains so), probably not everyone always understands the role, especially of the Constitutional Court. If with the Supreme Court and general courts people in our country often encounter them in everyday life, seeking justice (and that is right), then with the Constitutional Court not always,” Lukashenka said, according to his press service.
He noted that in Venezuela the Constitutional Court had already played its role.
“And here are the recent events in our friendly Venezuela — this is where the Constitutional Court played its role and took tough decisions,” he said, referring to the decision to transfer presidential duties to Delcy Rodriguez after the detention and removal from the country of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces.
“You see what I warned you about long ago — the turbulence that we are observing in the world. In this situation, one must be careful, calm, and not rush. And much will depend on you — the judges. The chairpersons of our courts, the judges of the Constitutional Court. Very much will depend. Therefore, keep this in mind, value it, and protect the country.
We work for the benefit of our people, we have not lost our traditions. We have not lost what we inherited from our ancestors. But life is very diverse, especially at the moment of a generational change. The issue is how we will carry out the will of our people. And they have earned it. Be very vigilant, careful, and attentive.
As for me, do not expect bad news for the courts from me. I had unpleasant, one could say, childhood impressions of judges and of the court. I encountered this, and I still remember it even in detail. I swore to myself that, to the extent of my abilities and capabilities, I would do everything so that there would be justice in society. Remember, I said this, and you, as lawyers, will understand me, that we cannot spell everything out, Andrei, even in the Constitution, and we cannot spell everything out in laws. But our spirit, foundation, and basis are one — justice. This concerns you first and foremost. Be fair to our people, to our nation. I wish you happiness and good health. Live long lives and act for the benefit of your country and our people,” Lukashenka warned the judges.
It should be recalled that in December, by decision of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly, Siarhei Sivets was appointed chair of the Constitutional Court, and former Prosecutor General Andrei Shved was appointed chair of the Supreme Court. Today, they, as well as several new judges also appointed to the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, were sworn in.
