The United States may impose new sanctions against Russia if the country actively intervenes in the situation in Belarus, Reuters reports with reference to a senior US State Department official.
Washington plans to impose sanctions against seven citizens of Belarus. The US believes they are linked to the election fraud. These people are also accused of violence used against peaceful protesters since August 9. The names of these officials have not yet been announced.
Public discussions of US sanctions against Russia and the citizens of Belarus should take place in the coming days.
Earlier, UN human rights experts called on the Belarusian security forces to stop using violence against detainees. The United Nations is aware of 450 documented cases of torture of protesters. Among other things, there are cases of violence against women and children, sexual violence against detainees and about rape using rubber truncheons.
The whereabouts of six Belarusians who disappeared during peaceful protests are still unknown.
UN experts stated:
“No circumstances whatsoever, whether internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked to practice, tolerate or justify enforced disappearances. Authorities in Belarus must immediately put an end to all human rights violations and combat impunity.”
