Belarus' Lukashenko Signs Law Granting Himself Lifelong Immunity

The law also bars opposition leaders living abroad from future presidential elections, a move seen as an attempt to maintain power.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a law granting himself lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution.
The law also prevents opposition leaders living abroad from running in future presidential elections.
The law applies to any former president of Belarus, as well as members of his or her family.
Critics say the law is designed to keep Lukashenko in power by warding off the threat of opposition figures such as Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who left Belarus for Lithuania in 2020.
Tikhanovskaya has said that Lukashenko's move shows his 'fear of an inevitable future' after he steps down from power.