Washington condemns reprisals in Belarus

January 26, Pozirk. Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US Department of State, denounced the January 23 raid that targeted political prisoners and their supporters in Belarus.

The United States condemns “[Alaksandar] Łukašenka regime’s recent raids, detentions, and the regime’s broader ongoing attacks on human rights and attempts to thwart the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus,” he said on January 25.

Washington pledged to seek accountability for Belarusian officials “through sanctions and other means” to punish “harsh internal repression” and Minsk’s support for Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

The crackdown also drew fire from the European Union.

At least 159 people were targeted, the Viasna Human Rights Center said. Some of the arrests were related to the extremist designation for the INeedHelpBY nonprofit that was helping victims of reprisals with food.

One of those arrested is Maryna Adamovič, the wife of prominent opposition politician Mikałaj Statkievič serving a 14-year prison term in a politically-motivated case. Adamovič was sentenced to 15 days in jail.