“In response to the brutality of the Belarusian authorities and in support of the democratic rights of the Belarusian people, the Council decided to adopt 36 additional designations.

These sanctions target high-level officials responsible for the ongoing violent repression and intimidation of peaceful demonstrators, opposition members and journalists, among others. They also target economic actors, prominent businessmen and companies benefiting from and/or supporting the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko.

This decision aims to send a powerful message to the responsible political and economic actors that their support to the regime comes at a cost.

Restrictive measures include a travel ban and an asset freeze. The travel ban impedes those listed from entering or transiting through EU territories, while the asset freeze is used against the funds or economic resources of the listed persons. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities.

A total of 88 individuals and 7 entities are now designated under the sanctions regime on Belarus”, - reads the statement of the EU.