The U.S. should expand sanctions against representatives of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s regime, involved in repression. Sanctions can also be imposed on Russian citizens, involved in human rights violations in Belarus, recently said by U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, golosameriki.com reports.
According to Marcy Kaptur, U.S. President Joe Biden gives priority to the protection of democracy and human rights in Belarus and intends to facilitate the future integration of Belarus and Ukraine into the European structures.
“He is fully committed to strengthening the transatlantic alliance and having such states as Belarus and Ukraine join the European Union. I have the same goals,” she said.
Marcy Kaptur said that Washington is concerned about the developments in Belarus. According to her, despite the harsh actions of the authorities, the Belarusians “bravely continue to protest even during severe frosts.”
“As you know, they were faced with gross and monstrous violations of human rights, made by the hands of Lukashenka’s thugs. This included arbitrary detentions, torture, rape, and excessive use of force. According to Belarusian civil society, 30,000 people were detained and eight were killed.”
“I was particularly inspired by the role women played in organizing peaceful protests across the country, including the leadership role of Svytlana Tsikhanouskaya, Maryia Kalesnikava, and many others,” the politician emphasized.
Marcy Kaptur also drew attention to Russia’s role in the Belarusian events:
“Instead of responding to calls for more freedom, Lukashenka turned to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for loan guarantees, as well as help from his propagandists and secret services…The United States should expand sanctions to those engaged in criminal activity in Belarus, including employees of the secret services and Interior Ministry, as well as people from Russia involved.”
“The U.S. Congress strongly supports the desire of Belarusians to choose their own future and the political system they themselves will create and lead,” said Marcy Kaptur.
