WASHINGTON — The United States introduced visa restrictions Tuesday in opposition to 25 folks in Belarus in response to the trial in absentia of opposition chief Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and different pro-democracy activists.
The transfer got here as Tsikhanouskaya, who claimed victory over strongman Alexander Lukashenko in 2020 elections, went on trial dealing with costs of excessive treason, “conspiracy to seize power” and creating and main an extremist group.
“These politically motivated trials are the latest examples of the Lukashenko regime’s efforts to intimidate and repress those who seek justice, respect for human rights, and a democratic Belarus,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in an announcement.
Those focused by sanctions embrace members of the National Assembly that handed laws authorizing the loss of life penalty for individuals convicted of “attempted acts of terrorism.”
The US assertion stated the cost is used to repress opposition members and civil society activists.
An ally of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko, who has dominated the previous Soviet republic since 1994, has been hit with US sanctions for years.
In March the United States slapped financial sanctions on him for corruption and human rights violations.
Several allies of Tsikhanouskaya are additionally being tried in absentia.
With Tuesday’s motion the United States has now imposed visa restrictions on 322 folks for undermining democracy in Belarus.
“We will not stand by as this regime continues to harass and repress peaceful protesters, the democratic opposition, journalists, unionists, activists, human rights defenders, and everyday Belarusians,” the assertion added. — Agence France-Presse
