On 15.07.2015, the President of the Republic of Belarus signed the Law "On Combating Corruption", which came into force on 24.01.2016.

For five months preceding the adoption of the bill, it was submitted for public discussion. As a result, Belarusians made over 300 proposals, many of which formed the basis of the Law.

The main changes in the new law are aimed at making corruption offenses unprofitable due to the inevitability of punishment, and making the property status of officials more transparent.

In particular, the new law specifies the grounds for refusal when hiring for a leadership position.

According to Article 22 of the new Law, the grounds for refusal when hiring for a leadership position will be dismissal from state bodies or organizations under discrediting circumstances, as well as a criminal record (including expunged or cleared) for intentional crimes.

The path to public service will also be closed to those who have committed a grave or especially grave crime against the interests of service or related to the use of official powers by an official.

Article 23 of the Law provides for additional grounds for bringing heads of state bodies and other state organizations to disciplinary responsibility.

Thus, violation of the procedure for admitting persons to public service, issuing references for employees containing knowingly false information,

constitute a gross violation of official (labor) duties and entail the привлечение of the head to disciplinary responsibility up to dismissal from the position held (termination of employment) in the manner established by legislative acts.

Article 24 of the new Law "On Combating Corruption" provides for the restriction of the right to pension provision for civil servants who have committed a grave or especially grave crime against the interests of service or associated with the use of official powers by an official.
Pensions for length of service provided for by the Law of the Republic of Belarus of June 14, 2003 "On State Service in the Republic of Belarus", monthly monetary maintenance provided for by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of November 30, 2006. No. 705 "On monthly monetary maintenance of certain categories of civil servants" shall not be assigned or paid to such persons.

According to the new Law, officials holding responsible positions – from local government representatives to members of the Council of the Republic, are obliged to provide not only their own declaration but also to report on the income of their spouse, minor children, as well as adult close relatives who live together and maintain a common household.

The Law also includes provisions for public control in the sphere of combating corruption, including the participation of citizens and public organizations in the development of draft regulatory legal acts, in the activities of commissions for combating corruption created in state bodies and organizations.

It is extremely difficult to completely eradicate corruption. However, it is necessary to strive for its minimization, using both punitive and preventive measures, as well as creating an atmosphere of intolerance to any of its manifestations in society.

Deputy Vitebsk Transport Prosecutor D.N. Kudryavtsev.