By Ilona Krasutskaya: New rules of the criminal and criminal procedure codes were discussed at a meeting with the President in August. The first innovations have been adopted today in the first reading. The main one is a pre-trial agreement, which ensures punishment mitigation in case of providing assistance to investigation. The MPs have supported the increase in minimum fines for economic and corruption crimes. Besides, the maximum period of detention will be reduced from 6 to 3 months.
Another innovation is legal and criminal compensation. In case of minor offences, the case may be closed provided there is a guilty plea, compensation and payment of a certain sum to the state. The money will be directed to the crime victims fund.
In terms of international cooperation, the MPs have ratified several Belarusian-Cambodian agreements on trade and economic cooperation and mutual protection of investments. Moreover, holders of diplomatic and service passports will be the first to appreciate the benefits of visa-free travel. Belarus and China will from now on be able to implement projects of technical and economic assistance, which has been approved by the Belarusian Parliament.













