UK sanctions 6 individuals and 3 entities 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 in a fresh wave of sanctions in response to 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.
Designations include Heads of ‘GUBOPiK’; one of the main security forces responsible for political persecution in Belarus. Individuals sanctioned 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 3 entities from Belarus’ defence sector sanctioned 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.
EU lists 26 individuals and 2 entities in view of the situation in Belarus
