The United Kingdom, together with Canada, has imposed sanctions on 6 individuals and 3 organizations in response to the falsification of the presidential elections in Belarus, according to a press release from the British government.
"The sanctions target leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and companies in the Belarusian defence sector supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Action demonstrates government’s commitment to working internationally to deter threats and protect national security, a foundation in the government’s Plan for Change," the statement reads.
It emphasizes that after the violent suppression by Lukashenko, during which critical voices in Belarus were silenced, the fake elections held on Sunday, January 26, did not meet international standards and were condemned by international partners.
Sanctions were imposed on the head of Belarus's Central Election Commission, Igor Karpenko, as well as representatives from the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption and the penitentiary system.
Along with the sanctions on institutional leaders responsible for serious human rights violations, the UK has excluded Belarusian defense companies from the British economy—a sector strategically important to Lukashenko's regime, which supports Russia's war in Ukraine.
The sanctions affect three Belarusian defense enterprises: ALEVKURP JSC, a subsidiary specializing in the research, development, and production of radar systems and weapon control systems; Legmash Factory JSC, a Belarusian company manufacturing ammunition for the Belarusian defense complex; and KB Unmanned Helicopters, a Belarusian developer and producer of unmanned aerial vehicles.
"The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko’s cynical pretence of democracy in Belarus, while in reality he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power. The UK, alongside our partners, will continue to stand by the people of Belarus and expose those who deny them their legitimate right to freedom and democracy," stated UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
