death_penalty_new.qxd 02-08-27 12:57 Page 26 THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE OSCE AREA Moratorium: There is no moratorium on executions in place. In a 1996 referendum, which was not recognized by the international community due to serious irregularities, the majority of voters voiced their support for the continued use of the death penalty. On 30 May 2002 the House of Representatives held hearings on the issue of the death penalty. The majority of the parliamentarians opposed the abolition of the death penalty or the introduction of a moratorium72. Method of execution: Shooting73. The relatives are not informed of the date of execution, the body is not returned to the family and the place of burial is not disclosed. STATISTICS Number of death sentences passed: According to official statistics74, four persons were sentenced to death in 2000 and seven persons were sentenced to death in 2001. All those sentenced to death were sentenced for murder under aggravating circumstances75. Number of executions: According to official statistics, ten persons were executed in 2000 and seven persons were executed in 2001. As of 30 June 2002, three persons have been executed. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Juvenile Offenders: Persons who were below the age of 18 at the time when the crime was committed cannot be sentenced to death76. 72 73 74 75 76 Belarussian Parliament fails to abolish death penalty, Belorussyka Gazeta, Minsk, 3 June 2000. Article 59(1) of the Criminal Code. Official statistics provided by the Delegation of the Republic of Belarus to the OSCE. In 2000, the sentences were passed under Article 100 of the previous Criminal Code of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Belarus 1960. In 2001 the sentences were passed under Article 139 of the Criminal Code of 1999. Article 59(2)(1) of the Criminal Code. 26