The EU lifted sanctions on Lukashenko

The European Union has decided to lift sanctions against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a number of other Belarusian officials.

In total, we are talking about 170 individuals and three companies. Among other things, Lukashenka and other officials have been lifted the ban on travel to EU countries and the seizure of banking assets.

Sanctions against four individuals who are considered by the EU to be involved in the persecution of oppositionists in Belarus remain in force. The names of these persons are not mentioned.

In Brussels, the approval of this decision is explained by the release of political prisoners by the Belarusian authorities.

Interfax

• At the end of October 2015, the EU suspended sanctions against Belarusian officials and companies in connection with the pardon of six citizens recognized as political prisoners.
• Among others, in August 2015, the former presidential candidate of Belarus, Nikolai Statkevich, who was called a prisoner of conscience by international human rights organizations, was pardoned.