UN ‘strongly condemns’ recent executions in Belarus News
UN ‘strongly condemns’ recent executions in Belarus

[JURIST] A UN Special Rapporteur on Monday “strongly condemn[ed]” [press release] the executions of three men in Belarus last week. Citing the executions as a confirmation of the “the persistent disregard for human rights in the country,” the expert asserted that the country should have stayed at least two of the executions until their cases, which were pending before the UN Human Rights Committee, could be decided. The Human Rights Committee has oversight over the compliance of Belarus with its obligations to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [text]. Therefore, the expert argued that Belarus was “obliged” to wait for judgment. The expert concluded his remarks urging the nation to establish a moratorium on the death penalty but asked that until then, the nation commute the sentences of those on death row to life sentences.

Belarus has faced continued scrutiny over human rights abuses. In May, UN human rights experts expressed grave concern [JURIST report] over Belarus’ death penalty practices after reports surfaced that a man was executed while his case was before the UN Human Rights Committee [official website]. In August of 2015 EU officials praised [JURIST report] Belarus’ president for his release of political prisoners. In June UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus Miklos Haraszti warned [JURIST report] that Belarus continues to sentence and imprison political opponents of the government. In March 2014 he called for the country to end its use of the death penalty, reiterating earlier statements [JURIST report] and citing politically motivated courts and the lack of fair trials. In 2011 former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay suggested a need for UN intervention [JURIST report] in Belarus and demanded the nation free non-violent political prisoners. Although Belarus is an active member of the UN and has ratified many of its human rights policies, Pillay noted a sharp deterioration in human rights since the 2010 disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.