The United States, Britain, and Canada have imposed extensive sanctions against Belarus to mark the anniversary of a disputed election that saw President Alexander Lukashenko re-elected. Lukashenko, a close ally of Moscow, cracked down on pro-democracy protests following the election in August 2020, which was marred by allegations of fraud.
The US Treasury Department sanctioned 19 individuals, 14 companies, and an airplane for evading previous sanctions and supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The UK also announced fresh sanctions against individuals and businesses linked to human rights violations and involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Canada joined in by imposing sanctions on individuals and entities supporting human rights abuses in Belarus and Russia’s war efforts. The international community, including the US, UK, and Canada, expressed solidarity with the people of Belarus, vowing to hold those enabling Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime accountable.
Despite the crackdown on dissent, protests, and political prisoners in Belarus, efforts to support democracy and human rights in the country persist through the imposition of sanctions. The global community remains committed to standing up for the people of Belarus against oppressive regimes.
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