EU Sanctions Target Belarusian Democracy Underminers

The European Union imposed sanctions on 25 individuals and seven entities linked to undermining democracy in Belarus. These sanctions target the Belarus Central Election Commission and are in response to the contentious re-election of Alexander Lukashenko, rejected by Western governments as fraudulent.

The European Union has intensified its stance against Belarus by sanctioning 25 individuals and seven entities accused of undermining democracy and the rule of law in the country, the EU Council announced on Thursday.

Among those sanctioned is the Belarus Central Election Commission. The action follows a disputed presidential election in January that extended the rule of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, a known ally of Russia, marking his 31st year in power.

The electoral outcome, declared by officials but dismissed by Western governments as fraudulent, has prompted the EU to take decisive steps in response to what it perceives as a significant erosion of democratic principles.

(With inputs from agencies.)