U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Belarusian Officials and Entities Over Democratic Repression and Support for Russia’s War.
The United States Department of the Treasury has announced new visa restrictions and sanctions against 19 individuals, 14 entities, and one aircraft in response to actions undermining democracy in Belarus and supporting Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, these measures target those involved in anti-democratic activities in Belarus, including misusing Interpol systems to target dissidents, physically abusing and torturing pro-democracy activists, disbarring attorneys representing these activists, and tracking and arresting individuals critical of the regime on social media. Additionally, the sanctions address those responsible for allowing armed servicemen to violently disperse peaceful protests in 2020.
Blinken emphasized that the sanctions were coordinated with allies in Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its ongoing repression. He reiterated the U.S. government’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of approximately 1,400 political prisoners held by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s regime.
“The United States stands with the people of Belarus as they seek a democratic, sovereign, and prosperous future within a unified and peaceful Europe,” Blinken stated.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury underscored that Lukashenko’s continued support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has come at a high cost for Belarus. The tightening of sanctions reflects the U.S.’s commitment to holding the Lukashenko regime accountable for its attacks on democratic movements and exploitation of the Belarusian people.
Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, noted that Belarus remains increasingly isolated from the global community due to the regime’s destabilizing actions and support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.