People voted in the death penalty referendum, and I have no right to overrule this decision, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said while talking to the media, BelTA reported.

The head of state noted that Europeans often ask the Belarusian authorities to suspend, prohibit the death penalty. 

“I cannot overrule the decision taken by the people,” Alexander Lukashenko underlined. “Should we want to do so, then we must hold a referendum,” the president said.

“If we take this issue to a referendum, I don't need to tell you what the result will be. You know it yourselves,” the Belarusian leader said. When meeting with the German foreign minister I said to him that if Germany takes this issue to a referendum at a time when Europe and many countries are exposed to terrorist attacks you know, what the outcome will be. People see that death penalty may be a strong disincentive for some ‘hot heads'. So I tell him that maybe Europeans will soon turn to our experience,” he said.

“With regard to death penalty, I asked him a question: you are big friends with some countries in the Middle East and other regions, the United States. Why do not you ask them the things that you want from Belarus? He would not answer. Therefore, I think we will come to an agreement in this regard,” the president said. 

The head of state also noted that there are a lot of issues related to security in the world and in the region. Belarus is playing a big role and can play an even bigger one. “Today Belarus is a quiet, orderly, dignified country, a kind of donor of security on the European continent and its status is raising in Europe,” the head of state believes.