Status: 10.08.2023, 21:32 p.m.
By: Fabian Müller
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Politically under pressure: Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko (left) and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (center). © IMAGO/Alexander Demianchuk
At the same time as Canada and the EU, the US is announcing new sanctions against Belarus. Ruler Lukashenko had bloodily suppressed uprisings three years ago.
Washington, D.C. – Three years after leader Alexander Lukashenko's violent crackdown on mass protests in Belarus, the United States has imposed further sanctions on the country. As the State Department in Washington announced on Wednesday, business relations with the state-owned airline Belavia would be punishable. In addition, 101 Belarusian officials, judges and others responsible for undermining democracy are denied entry.
In the presidential elections in Belarus in August 2020, Lukashenko was confirmed for his sixth term in office, according to official results. This sparked mass protests, which were brutally suppressed.
New US sanctions against Belarus: stand "with the brave Belarusian people"
The United States "continues to stand with the brave Belarusian people who seek a country based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and an accountable, democratically elected government," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
At the same time, Canada also announced new sanctions against Belarus. Coordinated measures by the European Union, Great Britain and New Zealand are planned, according to the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There can be no impunity for human rights violators, said Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. In addition, the support "of the Belarusian regime for the brazen actions of the Russian leadership will not go unpunished."
Video: Lukashenko: "I will not leave my country to anyone"
Lukashenko is considered the closest ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Russia has now even stationed nuclear weapons in the former Soviet republic. In connection with the Ukraine war and because of the repression of the Belarusian opposition, the European Union has already imposed sanctions on Minsk several times since 2020. (AFP/fmü)