Belarus executes murderer who killed two womenDecember 20, 2019 - 11:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Alyaksandr Osipovich, a Belarusian man sentenced to death for a double murder, was executed by firing squad on December 17, Interfax reported, quoting the Kommerchesky Kuryer newspaper. A senior prosecutor who oversaw the case told the publication the execution had been carried out, RFE/RL reports. Belarus is the only country in Europe that enforces the death penalty. In May, the Belarusian Supreme Court upheld a death sentence for Osipovich, who murdered two women in 2018. Interfax reported that Osipovich was under the influence of alcohol when he attacked two women while drinking with them. “The women, fearing for their lives, locked themselves inside a bathroom, trying to escape, but the man, armed with a hammer and a knife, managed to break in,” Interfax reported. Both women died at the scene after being stabbed or struck with a hammer dozens of times. Osipovich has previous convictions of theft, robbery, hooliganism, and inflicting bodily harm. For years, the EU has urged Belarus to join other countries in declaring a moratorium on capital punishment. At least four people were executed last year. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |