The European Union reinstated its sanctions against individuals and companies linked to the Belarus government for another year, due to Belarus’ failure to improve its human rights record.
The Council of the European Union called on the Belarusian authorities to mend their ways, stating,
“The Council again calls upon the Belarusian authorities to stop the harassment of civil society, the political opposition and the independent media.”
According to an EU official, recent elections conducted by the Belarusian president Lukashenko, were marred by the widespread harassment of critics, the use of prison sentences and various other offences.
The latest EU restrictions include visa bans and asset freezes on 243 individuals and 32 companies that are associated with Lukashenko’s government.
