Reuters writes about it with reference to US Secretary of State

Anthony Blinken

.

"We will not stand aside if this regime continues to persecute and repress peaceful protesters, the democratic opposition, journalists, trade unionists, activists, human rights defenders and ordinary Belarusians," said Blinken.

Deputies of the National Assembly responsible for the adoption of the law on the introduction of the death penalty for people convicted of "terrorism" were also included in the sanctions list.

The names of the officials are not mentioned.

What you should know about US sanctions

The first sanctions, which were introduced by the administration of President

George W. Bush

after the presidential elections in Belarus in 2006, provided for blocking the property and assets of a group of high-ranking officials, including

Alexander Lukashenko

.

Sanctions were also applied to the families of these officials.

They were also banned from entering the US.



Later, individuals, including new ones, who replenished the lists, were banned from having assets in the US and doing business with American partners.



After the presidential elections in Belarus at the end of 2010, the USA expanded the list of Belarusian officials who are prohibited from entering the USA.

In addition, US citizens were prohibited from doing business with the state concern "Belnaftakhim" and a number of other enterprises.

This is how the United States reacted to the repression after the elections, including the imprisonment of a number of presidential candidates.

Which Belarusian enterprises are we talking about

  • "Belnaftakhim",

  • "Belneftekhim USA",

  • "Naftan",

  • "Belarusian Oil Trading House",

  • "Belshina",

  • "Hrodna Azot",

  • "Grodnokhymvalakno",

  • JSC "Lyakofarba",

  • JSC "Polatsak-Shklovalakno".

US companies and citizens were prohibited from entering into economic and financial relations with these organizations, and all their assets and accounts located in the US territory were frozen.

In addition, many countries and companies refuse to work with enterprises under US sanctions.

  • In October 2015, the US Treasury Department suspended sanctions against these nine Belarusian companies in connection with "certain progress in the sphere of democracy and human rights", as well as with the aim of supporting the independence and sovereignty of Belarus.

  • After the presidential elections in Belarus in August 2020 and the repressions that took place after them, the USA renewed the sanctions from June 3, 2021.

    The relevant decision was published by the US Treasury Department on April 19, 2021. The United States is seeking the release of all political prisoners.