US, UK, and Canada impose sanctions on Belarus

On August 9, the United States, Britain, and Canada announced extensive sanctions against Belarus, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the controversial presidential election that solidified President Alexander Lukashenko's grip on power. The 2020 election, widely criticized for alleged vote rigging, sparked significant pro-democracy protests, which were met with a harsh crackdown by Lukashenko's regime. The US Treasury Department identified 19 individuals, 14 companies, and an aircraft as targets for sanctions due to their roles in circumventing existing restrictions and supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine. The sanctions reflect a coordinated effort among the three nations to address ongoing human rights violations and Belarus's complicity in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The UK government announced sanctions against four individuals and three businesses, bringing the total number of sanctions against Belarus to over 200. The UK Foreign Office emphasized the need for accountability in light of the "deeply flawed" 2020 elections and the regime's continued repression of dissent. Canada also joined the initiative, sanctioning 10 individuals and six entities linked to systematic human rights abuses in Belarus and support for Russia's war efforts. The aftermath of the 2020 election has left nearly 1,400 political prisoners in jail, with reports of at least six dying in detention since 2021. In a joint statement, the US, UK, Canada, and the European Union expressed solidarity with the Belarusian people and indicated their commitment to exploring further sanctions against those enabling the Lukashenko regime's anti-democratic actions.