188体育

• UK sanctions 6 individuals and 3 entities alongside Canada, in an immediate response to rigged presidential election in Belarus
• sanctions target leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and companies in the Belarusian defence sector supporting Russia鈥檚 war in Ukraine
• action demonstrates government鈥檚 commitment to working internationally to deter threats and protect national security, a foundation in the government鈥檚 Plan for Change

The Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission is among 9 individuals and entities designated by the UK today (Monday 27 January) in a fresh wave of sanctions in response to yesterday鈥檚 sham election in Belarus.

Following Lukashenko鈥檚 brutal crackdown in which critical voices within Belarus have been silenced, yesterday鈥檚 sham election failed to meet international standards and has been condemned by international partners.

Alongside sanctioning leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations in the country, the UK has excluded Belarusian defence companies from the UK economy 鈥� a sector of strategic importance to Lukashenko鈥檚 regime which is helping to facilitate Russia鈥檚 war in Ukraine.

Working with international partners to protect UK national security is essential to deliver the foundations of the Prime Minister鈥檚 Plan for Change.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko鈥檚 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.

According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian non-governmental organisation in exile, over 1,250 political prisoners are incarcerated in Belarus, including civil society representatives, human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents, religious leaders, 聽and trade unionists. Many political prisoners are held in shocking conditions, facing isolation, mistreatment and a lack of medical care.

Today鈥檚 designations include Heads of 鈥楪UBOPiK鈥�; one of the main security forces responsible for political persecution in Belarus. Individuals sanctioned today are:

1. Igor Vasilyevich KARPENKO - Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission.
2. Viktor Alexandrovich DUBROVKA - Head of the Belarusian correctional institution Penal Colony No11, Vaukavysk
3. Pavel Ivanovich KAZAKOV - Head of the Belarusian correctional institution Prison No 1, Hrodno.
4. Andrey Mikhailovich TSEDRIK - Commanding Officer of Pre-trial Detention Centre (SIZO) No聽1, Minsk.
5. Andrei Valerievich ANANENKO - Head of GUBOPiK.
6. Mikhail Petrovitch BEDUNKEVICH - Deputy Head of GUBOPiK.

Belarus has provided support for Russia鈥檚 illegal invasion of Ukraine, allowing the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks and provided kit and logistical support.

The 3 entities from Belarus鈥� defence sector sanctioned today are:

1. ALEVKURP OJSC - a company affiliated to the Government of Belarus specialising in research and development and manufacturing of radar systems and weapon control systems.
2. Legmash Plant JSC - a Belarusian company producing ammunition for the Belarusian defence sector.
3. KB Unmanned Helicopters (UAVHeli) - a Belarusian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developer and manufacturer.