US announces visa restrictions on 25 individuals in Belarus

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US announced on Tuesday it imposed visa restrictions on 25 individuals in Belarus for their alleged involvement in undermining democracy.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused President Alexander Lukashenko’s government of conducting a "politically motivated trial in absentia of democratic opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other democratic activists on baseless charges."

"These politically motivated trials are the latest examples of the Lukashenka regime’s efforts to intimidate and repress those who seek justice, respect for human rights, and a democratic Belarus," Blinken said in a statement.

"Ms. Tsikhanouskaya leads the pro-democracy movement from exile in Vilnius (Lithuania), defends human rights, and continues to press for a democratic transition in Belarus," he said.

Washington has imposed visa restrictions on 322 Belarusians since the 2020 presidential election.

"We will continue to use all appropriate tools to hold to account those in Belarus standing in the way of their fellow citizens’ democratic aspirations," added Blinken.