EU toughens measures against Belarus

PanARMENIAN.Net - Against the background of the further deterioration of the situation in Belarus, the Council of the European Union on March 23 strengthened restrictive measures against those responsible for the repression of civil society in that country.

The Council added 12 persons to the list of those targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. They include individuals benefiting from and supporting the regime as well as persons responsible for the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition in Belarus.

In addition, the Council froze the assets of 29 entities, which are controlled by persons subject to restrictive measures due to their role in supporting the regime.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said: "Our decision today comes in response to the negative developments we have seen in Belarus. The situation is getting worse and the authorities are tightening their grip on civil society. Instead of increasing repression, Belarus must release and rehabilitate all political prisoners and roll back its repressive policies."

The decisions come in addition to already existing measures: more than 200 individuals are already subject to a travel ban and a freeze of their assets within the EU. Moreover, the assets of three companies linked to the regime are already frozen while exports to Belarus of arms and material for internal repression are prohibited.

The legal acts, including the list of additional designations, will be published in the EU Official Journal of March 24.