De Europese Raad versterkt restrictieve maatregelen over Wit-Rusland (en)

18617/11

PRESSE 495

Council strengthens restrictive measures on Belarus

In view of the gravity of the situation in Belarus, the Council today reinforced the EU's restrictive measures on those responsible for the continuing repression of civil society, the political opposition and the independent media in Belarus.

The Council added two persons involved in the trial of human rights defender Ales Byalyatski to the list of those subject to an asset freeze and a ban from entering the EU.

This brings the number of persons targeted to 210. At the same time, the assets of three entities linked to the regime remain frozen while exports to Belarus of arms and materials that might be used for internal repression are prohibited.

See also the joint statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stefan Füle on the sentencing of human rights defender Ales Byalyatski