Death_Penalty_2005_nowy.qxd 2005-09-08 17:00 Page 19 BELARUS The Human Rights Committee stated that the complete secrecy surrounding the date of execution, the place of burial, and the refusal to hand over the body for burial have the effect of intimidating or punishing families by intentionally leaving them in a state of uncertainty and mental distress. In addition, the UN Committee against Torture has also expressed concern about the reported refusal to return the bodies of those executed to their relatives.47 47 Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture, 20 November 2000. 19