The UK has sanctioned 9 individuals and defence sector entities
in Belarus in coordination with Canada.
- UK sanctions 6 individuals and 3 entities in coordinated
action with 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'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 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's sham election in Belarus.
Following Lukashenko's brutal crackdown in which critical voices
within Belarus have been silenced, yesterday's 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– a
sector of strategic importance to Lukashenko's regime which is
helping to facilitate Russia's war in Ukraine.
Working with international partners to protect UK national
security is essential to deliver the foundations of the Prime
Minister's Plan for Change.
Foreign Secretary said:
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.
According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian
non-governmental organisation in exile, over 1250 political
prisoners are incarcerated in Belarus, including civil society
representatives, human rights defenders, journalists, political
opponents, religious leaders, and trade unionists. Many
political prisoners are held in shocking conditions, facing
isolation, mistreatment and a lack of medical care.
Today's designations include Heads of ‘GUBOPiK'; one of the main
security forces responsible for political persecution in Belarus.
Individuals sanctioned today are:
- Igor Vasilyevich KARPENKO - Chairman of the Belarusian
Central Election Commission.
- Viktor Alexandrovich DUBROVKA - Head of the Belarusian
correctional institution Penal Colony No11, Vaukavysk
- Pavel Ivanovich KAZAKOV - Head of the Belarusian correctional
institution Prison No 1, Hrodno.
- Andrey Mikhailovich TSEDRIK - Commanding Officer of Pre-trial
Detention Centre (SIZO) No 1, Minsk.
- Andrei Valerievich ANANENKO - Head of GUBOPiK.
- Mikhail Petrovitch BEDUNKEVICH - Deputy Head of GUBOPiK.
Belarus has provided support for Russia's illegal invasion of
Ukraine, allowing the use of its territory and airspace to launch
attacks and provided kit and logistical support.
The three entities from Belarus' defence sector sanctioned today
are:
- ALEVKURP OJSC - a company affiliated to the Government of
Belarus specialising in research and development and
manufacturing of radar systems and weapon control systems.
- Legmash Plant JSC - a Belarusian company producing ammunition
for the Belarusian defence sector.
- KB Unmanned Helicopters (UAVHeli) - a Belarusian unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) developer and manufacturer.
