The new law also stipulates that political opposition leaders living in exile abroad will never be allowed to participate in elections in Belarus.

In theory, the law applies to everyone who has served as president in Belarus WatchmanBut in reality, only Lukashenko himself and his relatives benefit from it. The 69-year-old president has been leading the country as a dictator for 30 years, and is now gaining more power.

He tortures

Officially, the next elections will be held in 2025. After that it will not be possible to vote for politicians who have fled to other countries. According to the new law, to get a place on the ballot, you must have lived in Belarus continuously for at least 20 years. Anyone who has obtained a residence permit in another country is also excluded from voting.

During the previous elections, which took place in August 2020, Lukashenko was elected for a sixth term. In the period leading up to this, 35,000 people were arrested, and some were tortured by secret police.

The law stipulates that when a president leaves office, he “shall not be held accountable for acts committed in connection with the performance of presidential office.” The outgoing president and his family members can also rely forever on security, medical care and health insurance – all paid for by the state. In addition, the former president is appointed for life as a member of the Senate.

“Dictator at court”

According to opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled to Lithuania and lives there in exile, this law shows “Lukashenko’s fear of an inevitable future.” “Lukashenko, who decided the fate of thousands of Belarusians, will be punished in accordance with international law. No form of immunity can protect him from this, it is only a matter of time. We will bring the dictator to justice.”

Opposition members say the president is responsible for the disappearance of dozens of political opponents, 1,500 of whom are said to be in prison. In addition, Lukashenko, as a subordinate of Russian President Putin, is said to be involved in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children to Russia.