According to Head of the NAM Pavel Latushka, Australia has adopted the law “on thematic sanctions,” which could be the basis for the restrictions against the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
According to Latushka, the Thematic Sanctions Act is the Australian equivalent of the Global Magnitsky Act, which was previously passed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and a number of EU countries.
“In fact, its adoption means that Australia will begin to apply its own sanctions against individuals and entities guilty of violating human rights and the rule of law, including in Belarus,” Latushka said.
The Act also provides for targeted financial sanctions, including the freezing of assets.
“The Belarusian diaspora in Australia actively contributed to the adoption of this law. According to the NAM head, this event will increase the pressure on Lukashenka’s regime. Latushka notes that about 88% of Belarusian exports to Australia are potash fertilizers.
Latushka said that the NAM and representatives of the Belarusian diaspora in Australia have already created a working group and started joint activities to develop sanctions lists, prepare the necessary evidence and relevant analytical notes for the Australian authorities. All done as part of the new law.
In 2020, Belarusian exports to Australia amounted to about $15.5 million.
