Staselovich v. Belarus
Key Judgment
Legal Relevance
Keywords: Relatives as Victims | Right to Know the Truth
Themes: Justice and Truth | Related Crimes
The Committee held that complete secrecy surrounding the date of execution and the place of burial, as well as 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. The Committee held that this amounts to inhuman treatment with respect to family members.
Judgment Date
April 3, 2003
Country
Belarus
Judicial Body
Human Rights Committee
Articles violated
Article 7 [ICCPR]
Facts of the Case
Mr. Igor Lyashkevich was convicted of murder and sentenced to death by firing squad in July 1997. He was then detained on death row in November 1998, and he is presumed to have been executed in March 1999. Mr. Lyashkevich's mother was not informed of the date of his execution or of the place of his burial.